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GEORGE WASHINGTON 



A CHARACTER SKETCH 



EUGENE PARSONS 

Lecturer on American History 



WITH ANECDOTES, CHARACTERISTICS AND 
CHRONOLOGY 



PUBLISHED BY THE 

H. G. CAMPBELL PUBLISHING CO. 

MILWAUKEE, WIS. 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 


APR 8 


Received | 

1903 


Copyright 


Entry 


M / 
COPY 


is 

A. 






Coryright 1898, 
By The University Association. 



> • • a ••• •♦ 

a a • • * '' • « * " • • 




THE name and fame of Washington are immortal. 
When all due allowance is made for hero-worship, 
his is a superlative worth. To him rightly belongs the 
place of pre-eminence among colonial leaders. 

The colonies could, indeed, boast of many men of con- 
spicuous ability and unswerving patriotism, men of af- 
fairs, men of genius for finance and government, but none 
of them fulfilled the requirements of a popular hero as did 
Washington. His is an all-round greatness that none of 
his contemporaries had. 

There were other patriots of Washington's time who 
were truly great and noble, whose services to their coun- 
try are gratefully remembered, but his is an incompara- 
ble glory. His was a devotion to a sacred cause that 
counted not the cost, and his was an enthusiasm tem- 
pered by judgment. His is a character that stands the 
test of time. His was a moral grandeur, joined with 
practical wisdom, never surpassed among the most re- 
nowned figures in the world's history. 

Washington was idolized in his day, and his memory 
has been cherished as a priceless possession by succeed- 



6 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

ing generations. And the good of other lands, lovers of 
liberty and friends of justice in the Old World, have paid 
spontaneous tribute to his exalted merit. 

By common consent, Washington is regarded as the 
best type of American that our country has yet produced. 
No other, unless it be Lincoln, is deemed worthy of a 
place beside him. He was not only the central figure 
among the founders of the American republic — he stands 
as the representative of western ideas as opposed to mon- 
archical views of government. Such is the verdict of 
the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; a verdict that 
the centuries to come will not reverse. 

It is not every man that has in him the making of a 
successful farmer, a wise legislator, a superb general, and 
an admirable president. Washington steadily rose in the 
world, higher and higher, by dint of his superior fitness. 
He was ambitious to rise and put forth strenuous, well- 
directed effort to better his condition. Though aided by 
favoring circumstances, the way was by no means easy. 
Success was his, because he won it and deserved it. He 
was prudent and energetic, painstaking and conscientious. 

In all of his official acts, as well as in the relations of 
private life, he was characterized by fidelity to duty and 
loyalty to principle. His were the qualities that com- 
mand respect and confidence, that lead to fortune and to 
positions of honor and responsibility. It was by no ac- 
cident or series of accidents that he reached the highest 
place in the nation. 

When but a mere stripling, George Washington was 
known far and wide in the Old Dominion, as Virginia 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 7 

was then called. Here was a youth who had forged to 
the front by force of will and native endowments. At 
the age of nineteen he was a person of prominence and 
influence. Thenceforth he was a public character, an 
actor in the chief events that make up the history of our 




Washington as a Young Man. 

country for nearly half a century. To write the story of 
his life is to write the history of his times. It is a thrill- 
ing and inspiring record, of which his countrymen may 
well feel proud. 

The Washingtons of Virginia were of English descent. 
Their ancestors were formerly of the yeomanry of York- 



8 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

shire, England; not Saxons, but of Danish blood. The 
founder of the Washington family in England, who lived, 
in the eleventh century, is said to have been a descendant 
of the celebrated Odin. The two brothers, Laurence 
and John Washington, of whom not much is known, em- 
igrated to Virginia in 1659 and settled in Westmoreland 
County, near Bridges Creek, between the Potomac and 
Rappahannock rivers. Col. John Washington, a man 
evidently of some means and enterprise, was the great 
grandfather of George Washington. 

Augustine Washington (born in 1694) was married 
(17 1 5) to Jane Butler, who died in 1728, leaving two sons 
— Laurence (1728) and Augustine (1720) — and one 
daughter (who died in 1735). His second marriage took 
place March 6, 1731. Being a man of more than aver- 
age attractions, he had the good fortune to win the hand 
of a very estimable young lady, Miss Mary Ball. 
They had six children: George, born at Wakefield (as 
the Washington homestead was then called), Feb. 22, 
1732; Betty (1733-97), Samuel (1734-81); John (1736-87); 
Charles (1738-99); and Mildred (1739-40). 

The house where George was born, not far from Pope's 
Creek, burned down in 1735. Of Washington's birth- 
place one has written: 

"This house commanded a beautiful view over many 
miles of the Potomac, and opposite shore of Maryland; it 
contained four rooms on the ground floor, and others in 
the attic. Such was the birthplace of our great and loved 
Washington. Not a vestige more remains of it; only a 
stone placed there by a wife's grandson, George Wash- 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. g 

ington Parke Custis, marks the site of the 'old low-pitched 
farm house.' " 

The father then moved his family to his plantation 
near Fredericksburgh, where the childhood and youth of 
Washington was chiefly spent. 

The Father of his Country was blessed with excellent 
parents. His father was no ordinary man; his mother 
was no ordinary woman. 

Though a gentleman, Augustine Washington led the 
active life of a planter-frontierman. It was an indepen- 
dent, simple, honest sort of life, by no means easy and 
luxurious. There was not much leisure for books or 
sports. He died April 12, 1743. Being a large landed 
proprietor, he left farms to each of his children. He be- 
queathed the estate of Mount Vernon to his eldest son 
Laurence, while George inherited the house and lands 
on the Rappahannock. 

The elder Washington was not the type of man de- 
scribed in Weems' "Life of Washington." The hatchet 
story told in this remarkable book was long ago discred- 
ited, with some other "curious anecdotes" seriously re- 
lated by this extravagant but not over-trustworthy biog- 
rapher. Doubtless, the importance of truthfulness was 
emphasized by both father and mother. They laid the 
foundations of George Washington's reputation for verac- 
ity. The father's impress on his son was enduring, 
though he died when George was only eleven years old. 

The name of Mary Washington is universally revered 
and beloved. Upon her devolved the task of looking af- 
ter the wants of a large household, and she faithfully per- 



IO 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



formed the arduous duties of a busy house-wife and mat- 
ron. She was deeply attached to her children, and con- 
sulted their welfare with earnest solicitude. She exacted 
obedience and regard from them, and allowed no famil- 
iarity. Her will was law, and servants and business 
agent's knew it. There was a strain of Puritan sternness 




Tomb of Washing-tons Mother, Fredericksburg, Va. 



and strictness in her make-up, that showed itself in the 
son. "Honored Madam," he addressed her in his letters, 
even when a man . She was not, however, without ten- 
derness. She had been a beautiful girl, and as years 
went by, developed into a dignified woman of striking 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. n 

appearance, grave and reserved in manner. She died 
August 25, 1789, at the ripe age of eighty-two. George 
Washington owed a great debt to his mother. 

During his school days, which were over in his six- 
teenth year, the youthful George received what was then 
considered a good common-school education. Tradition 
has it that he soon acquired all that his first teacher 
knew, which was no more than the merest rudiments of 
the three R's. George was his brightest pupil. 

Later he went to an academy near his brother's home 
at Bridge's Creek. He early showed an aptitude for fig- 
ures and made marked progress in mathematics. It 
must be confessed that his knowledge of spelling and 
of grammar was exceedingly defective, judged by the 
standards of the present. In these days many a boy of 
twelve knows more of books and the world than Wash- 
ington did at sixteen. His reading was limited in boy- 
hood, as in later life. 

But the country lad who has his eyes open, learns a 
vast deal not written in books. In the fields and woods 
George had been observant and gained a fund of infor- 
mation that was afterward of incalculable value to him 
as a farmer and soldier. He was familiar with all the 
routine of a plantation of those times. He knew all 
about taking care of stock, breaking horses, mending fen- 
ces, etc. He was a good shot with the rifle, and was fond 
of hunting. Large and powerful for his age, he excelled 
in swimming, running, wrestling, and other manly exer- 
cises, that rounded his muscles and hardened his rugged 
frame. He tried his hand, too, at playing soldier, drill- 



12 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

ing a company of youngsters. He insisted on being cap- 
tain, and displayed the true spirit of a commander. 

The growing boy was an expert horseman, and had a 
local reputation for mastering fractious steeds. The story 
of his killing Sorrel, the finest colt on his mother's farm, 
though told with dramatic detail by Custis, is believed to 
be of doubtful authenticity. There are other suspicious 
narratives of his wonderful feats of strength and dexteri- 
ty in early manhood. They must have had some basis of 
fact, for he was a youth of mettle and daring, sturdy and 
agile. 

Occasionally an English merchant-ship sailed up the 
Potomac, bringing supplies from London to the planters 
along the river, and bearing away the crop of tobacco to 
England. Naturally the sight of a trading ship or a 
man-of-war would impress a healthy boy and fill his 
mind with longing for a sea-life. At one time, it is re- 
lated, George Washington seriously thought of becoming 
a midshipman. He was then about fifteen and eager to 
enter upon the career of a seaman. When ready to leave 
home, he was dissuaded from going by his mother — a 
decision that entirely changed the course, it may be, of 
his after life. Her opinion was strengthened by a letter 
of advice from her brother in the old country, who 
thought his nephew's chances of rising in the King's 
Navy were very slight. 

After the death of his father, George was often at the 
home of his half-brother Laurence, whose influence over 
him was marked for good. The wife of Laurence Wash- 
ington was Annie Fairfax, the daughter of an English 



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14 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

gentleman then living at Belvoir, not far away from the 
Washington homestead. Circumstances had brought 
hither Lord Fairfax, who owned immense estates in Vir- 
ginia. It was exceedingly fortunate for the youth to be- 
come acquainted with this Englishman of talent and cul- 
ture, who became interested in his education, and had 
much to do with launchiug Washington on the career 
of a surveyor. 

Having given up the idea of going to sea, George 
turned his attention to land-surveying, which promised 
to be a lucrative calling, one for which he was except- 
ionally fitted by his mental and physical qualifications. 
Having thoroughly studied the elements of geometry and 
trigonometry, he was well equipped for the work of sur- 
veying the lands of Lord Fairfax in theValley of the Vir- 
ginia. In company with George Fairfax, a relative of 
the nobleman, he set out on his first expedition of the 
kind, in March, 1748. He was then only sixteen, yet he 
proved to be a capable surveyor and performed his diffi- 
cult task to the entire satisfaction of his employer. 

The Journal that Washington kept, while engaged in 
surveying the Shenandoah property of Lord Fairfax, 
mentions some interesting experiences that he had while 
roughing it in the wilderness, as much of the country 
then was. The document is also valuable as an index 
of his intellectual advancement. He wrote a neat hand 
and expressed himself fluently and naturally. A few ex- 
tracts from this diary (the earliest of his literary efforts) 
are given, copied literally, with the errors of spelling and 
punctuation. They help us in forming a picture of the 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 15 

real George Washington. As Dr. Toner has said: "The 
time has come when the people want to know intimately 
and without glamour or false coloring, the father of his 
country as he actually lived and labored, and to possess 
his writings, just as he left them, on every subject which 
engaged his attention." The memorandum of his surveys 
is entitled: 

"journal of my journfa t over the mountains. 

While surveying for L,ord Thomas Fairfax, Baron of 
Cameron, in the Northern Neck of Virginia, beyond the 
Blue Ridge, in 1747-48. 

"Friday March nth 1747-8. Began my Journey in Company 
with George Fairfax, Esqr.; we travell'd this day 40 Miles to Mr. 
George Neavels in Prince William County. 

"Tuesday 15th We set out out early with Intent to Run round 
ye sd Land but being taken in a Rain & it Increasing very fast 
obliged us to return, it clearing about one o Clock & our time being 
too Precious to Loose we a second time ventured out & Worked 
hard till Night & then return'd to Penningtons we got our Suppers 
& was Lighted into a Room & I not being so good a Woodsman as 
ye rest of my Company striped myseif very orderly & went in to ye 
Bed as they called it when to my Surprize I found it to -be nothing 
but a Little Straw — Matted together without Sheets or anything else 
but only one thread Bear blanket with double its Weight of Vermin 
such as Lice Fleas &c I was glad to get up (as soon as y Light was 
carried from us) I put on my Cloths and Lays as my Companions. 
Had we not have been very tired I am sure we should not have 
slep'd much that night I made a Promise not to Sleep so from that 
time forward chusing father to sleep in y. open air before a fire as 
will appear hereafter. 

"Wednesday 23d Rain'd till about two o Clock & Clear'd when 
we were agreeably surpris'd at y. sight of thirty odd Indians coming 
from War with only one Scalp. We had some Liquor with us of 
which we gave them Part it elevating there Spirits put them in y. 
Humour of Dauncing of whom we had a War Daunce there manner 
of Dauncing is as follows Viz They clear a Large Circle & make a 
Great Fire in y. middle then seats themselves around it y. Speaker 
makes a grand Speech telling them in what Manner they are to 
Daunce after he has finish'd y. best Dauncer Jumps up as one 



16 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

awaked out of a Sleep & Runs & Jumps about y. Ring in a most 
cornicle Manner he is followed by y. Rest then begins there Musi- 
cians to play ye Mustek is a Pot half of Water with a Deerskin 
streched over it as tight as it ran & a goard with some Shott in it to 
Rattle & a Piece of an horses Tail tied to it to make it look fine y. 
one keeps Rattling and y. other Drumming all y. while y. others is 
Dauncing. 

"Saturday 26 Travelld up ye Creek to Solomon Hedges Esqr 
one of his Majestys Justices of ye Peace for ye County of Frederick 
where we camped when we came to Supper there was neither a Cloth 
upon ye Table nor a knife to eat with but as good luck would have it 
we had Knives of own. 

"Tuesday 29th This Morning went out & Survey'd five Hundred 
Acres of Land & went down to one Michael Stumps on ye So Fork 
of ye Branch on our way Shot two Wild Turkies. 

"Monday 4th this morning Mr. Fairfax left us with Intent to go 
down to ye Mouth of ye Branch we did two Lots & was attended by 
a great Company of People Men Women & Children that attended 
us through ye Woods as we went showing there Antick tricks I real- 
ly think they seem to be as Ignorant a Set of People as the Indians 
they would never speak English but when spoken to they speak all 
Dutch this day our Tent was blown down by ye Yiolentness of ye 
Wind. 

"Wednesday ye 13th of April 1748 Mr. Fairfax got safe home 
and I myself safe to my Brothers which concludes my Journal" 

It may be noted in passing, that Washington followed 
the practice of double dating, between January 1, and 
March 25, as was the custom before the Gregorian calen- 
dar was adopted in England in 1752. By some, March 
25 was considered the beginning of the legal or civil 
year. 

This expedition of Washington's, in the employment 
of Lord Fairfax, was the beginning of his fortunes. The 
work was do'ne so well that his services as a surveyor 
were wanted by others. The boy-surveyor made a name 
for himself, being unusually careful and accurate, as later 
surveys have shown. Thus he was engaged the next 
two and a half years. In the summer of 1749, he was 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 17 

appointed county-surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia. 
In securing this position lie was aided by the influence 
of his friend, Lord Fairfax, but his experience and per- 
sonal fitness were his best recommendation. 

An early sketch of Washington says he "first set out 
in the world as surveyor of Orange Country, an appoint- 
ment of about half the value of a Virginia Rectory — t. 
e. perhaps 100 1. a year." 

This was a considerable income for a young man in 
those days, when money was scarce in the colonies. 
Washington was thrifty and prudent in his expeditures, 
and made shrewd investments of his earnings in real es- 
tate. Land was then more plentiful than money, and 
was frequently offered for sale at a low price. The work 
of surveying gave him an excellent opportunity to see 
the country, and he purchased several choice tracts of 
land for himself and for his brother Laurence. 

Thus Washington by industry, economy and foresight, 
laid the foundations for his after career of prosperity as 
a farmer and public man. ' But strenuous endeavor and 
business judgment do not account for the high degree of 
success that he obtained. He had given, attention to 
character-building as something important as well as get- 
ting on in the world. 

When a boy in his teens he copied and studied with 
evident care a list of more than a hundred rules of con- 
duct. It is said that he found them in a book that fell 
into his hands, Mather's "Young Man's Companion." It 
shows how much thought he gave to the matter of de- 
portment. Here are a few' of the precepts in his "rules 



i8 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

of civility and decent behavior in company and conver- 
sation." They may well be pondered and followed by 
young people to-day. 

i. "Every action in company ought to be with some 
sign of respect to those present. 

] 2. u In the presence of others sing not to yourself with 
a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet. 

3. "Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others 
stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk 
not when others stop. 

4. "Turn not your back to others, especially in speak- 
ing; jog not the table or desk on which another reads 
or writes; lean not on any one. 

5. "Be no flatterer; neither play with any one that de- 
lights not to be played with. 

6. "Read no letters, books, or papers in company; but 
when there is a necessity for doing it, you must ask leave. 
Come not near the books or writings of any one so as to 
read them, unless desired, nor give your opinion of them 
unasked; also, look not nigh wdien another is writing a 
letter. 

7. "Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious 
matters somewhat grave. 

8. "Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of anoth- 
er, though he were your enemy. 

9. "When you meet with one of greater quality than 
yourself, stop and retire, especially if it be at a door or 
any straight place, to give way for him to pass. 

10. "They that are in dignity, or in office, have in all 
places precedency; but whilst they are young they ought 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 19 

to respect those that are their equals in birth, or other 
qualities, though they have no public charge." 

Says Lodge: "The one thought that runs through all 
the sayings is to practice self-control, and no man ever 
displayed that most difficult of virtues to such a degree 
as George Washington." 

An important factor in the training of George Wash- 
ington was the influence of his oldest brother Laurence 
(sometimes spelled Lawrence), who had been educated in 
England and seen much of the world. He held the rank 
of captain in an expedition to the West Indies, 1740-2, 
and was a member of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 
in 1748. His excellent character and his business abili- 
ties made him a popular and influential legislator. For 
centuries the Washingtons had been addicted to military 
affairs, and a liking for war ran in the blood. The ex- 
perience of Laurence as officer, and his leading position 
in the county, led to his appointment as one of the four 
Adjutant-Generals of Virginia, with the rank of major. 
Through his influence George was appointed Adjutant- 
General, with the rank of major, in 1751. His duties were 
"to inspect and exercise the militia," in preparation for 
an expected campaign against the French on the Ohio 
River. The salary was $750 a year. George at once 
set about to learn the art of war, and received instruction 
in tactics and fencing from two old soldiers. The work 
of surveying had come to an end, and he began his ca- 
reer as a commander. 

On account of failing health, Laurence Washington 
was advised to try the climate of the West Indies. As 



20 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

it was not thought prudent for him to take the trip alone, 
George accompanied him on the voyage to Barbadoes 
in the autumn of 1751. They remained on this island 
several months; and, being members of an old aristocrat- 
ic family, they were overwhelmed with attentions and 
courtesies shown by hospitable gentlemen of Barbadoes. 
George had the misfortune to be sick with the smallpox, 
and returned to Virginia in March, 1752. A little later 
Laurence came back to die at Mount Vernon, having 
found no relief in the West Indies. 

Washington's visit to Barbadoes forms an interesting 
chapter in his history, because of the journal that he 
kept. Though -only nineteen, he appeared to have 
reached the maturity of a man, and was perfectly at 
home in the company of those older and more experi- 
enced. 

Says Dr. Toner in his introduction to Washington's 
"Barbadoes Journal: 1 ' 

"Although he made no pretensions to having a fin- 
ished education, or to being an extensive reader of books, 
yet he was well informed in all the affairs of life, and his 
manners and address proclaimed him a gentleman, and 
clearly indicated that his associations were with men of 
character and culture. If we had no other means of 
knowing the fact, this Journal of itself, would show that 
Washington possessed strong and acute natural powers 
of observation, and that his mind was, for his years, 
unusually matured and well stored with practical knowl- 
edge and historical facts." 

Like Shakespeare, Washington had frequently come 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 21 

into contact with men of fine education, and he had 
picked up a considerable store of general information in 
conversation. He had profited by his intercourse with 
refined people, and was familiar with the usages of good 
society, although he had been living in the backwoods 
among hunters and farmers. 

This diary of the young Virginian shows marked im- 
provement over his earlier Journal, already referred to. 
In fact, it is a unique production. In its pages he "re- 
corded a wonderful amount of information about the 
island, its climate, the character of its soil, its product- 
ions, population, commerce, resources, government, de- 
fences, etc." 

Washington's family connections contributed much to 
his rapid rise in the Old Dominion. Acting the part of 
a wise counselor and fatherly friend, Laurence Wash- 
ington had brought his talented younger brother not on- 
ly to the notice of Lord Fairfax, but to the Governor of 
Virginia, who recognized the young man's abilities as 
useful to the colony, and chose him for a post of honor 
but of extreme difficulty. 

In the middle of the eighteenth century, the French 
and the English were both claimants of the country be- 
tween the Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers. The French 
claimed it on the strength of the discoveries of La Salle 
in the seventeenth century. Laurence Washington had 
been one of the originators of the Ohio Company, orga- 
nized about 1747, "to secure a share in the lucrative In- 
dian trade, and with the prospect of opening to settle- 
ment the lands on the upper waters of the Ohio." 



22 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

Says the historian Shea, who edited Washington's 
"Journal of a tour to the Ohio, in 1753:" 

"Affairs had reached a crisis. France had colonized 
Canada, Illinois, and Louisiana, and connected them by 
detached posts, but the possession of the Ohio, so neces- 
sary to the safety of her wide provincial power, was soon 
to fall into the hands of her rival by the rapid progress 
of English colonization. To set a barrier to its westward 
progress, France determined to run a line of forts from 
Niagara to the forks of the Ohio, and down that river. 
The Indians first took the alarm when the tidings reached 
the Ohio that a French force was on its way to erect this 
line of forts, and a council of the wandering tribes, Min- 
goes, Shawnees, and Delawares, meet at Logstown, and in 
April, 1753, dispatched an envoy to Niagara to protest 
against the action of the French. The protest was un- 
heeded." 

At this time Major Washington was a "person of dis- 
tinction," having charge of the militia in the northern 
district of Virginia. His frontier experience and ac- 
quaintance with the Indians, as well as his rare tact and 
physical endurance, fitted him for the public mission 
that he was called upon to undertake. 

In October, 1753, he was entrusted with a letter from 
Governor Dinwiddie to the French Commander, demand- 
ing the withdrawl of the French from the Ohio. He was 
instructed to note carefully the movements of the French, 
and to report. 

Washington set out on his journey the same day that 
he received his commission, Oct. 30. He engaged Jacob 




Washington on his Journey to Ohio. 
From the Painting by A. Chappell. 



24 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

Van Braam, his old Dutch fencing-master, as a French 
interpreter, and Christopher Gist, a noted frontiersman) 
as a guide. Four others, Indian traders and servants, 
completed the company. The enterprise was attended 
by many dangers and hardships. 

Arriving at the junction of the Ohio River and the 
Monoiisfahela, Washington was at once struck with the 
idea that "the land in the fork" was "extremely well sit- 
uated for a fort." It was a much better site than that 
selected by the Ohio Company for its settlement at 
McKee's Rocks, "a few miles below Pittsburgh." 

In the latter part of November, he met some French 
deserters who had been sent from New Orleans, and he 
inquired about the French forts on the Mississippi be- 
tween Illinois and New Orleans. 

Later, Washington interviewed the Seneca chief Half- 
King. He found the Indians exceedingly hard to man- 
age. They were suspicious of the English as well as of 
French. They looked on both as intruders, but were in- 
clined to cast their lot with the English as needed al- 
lies against the French. 

The French officers received Washington politely, and, 
when warmed with wine, explained freely the purpose of 
the French to take possession of the Ohio. A few days 
afterward, the commander told him that the country be- 
longed to the French; "that no Englishman had a right 
to trade upon those waters; and that he had orders to 
make every person prisoner who attempted it on the 
Ohio, or the waters of it." 

An extraordinary importance attaches to Washington's 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 25 

diary that he kept while 011 this expedition. This is the 
entry for Dec. 16-22: 

"The French were not slack in their inventions to 
keep the Indians this day also: but as they were obli- 
gated, according to promise, to give the present, they 
then endeavored to try the power of liquor, which I doubt 
not would have prevailed at any other time than this; 
but I urged and insisted with the king so closely upon 
his word, that he refrained, and set off with us as he had 
engaged. 

"We had a tedious and very fatiguing passage down the 
creek. Several times we had liked to have been staved 
against rocks; and many times we obliged all hands to 
get out and remain in the water half an hour or more 
getting over the shoals. At one place the ice had lodged 
and made it impossible by water; therefore we were 
obliged to carry our canoe across a neck of land, a quar- 
ter of a mile over. We did not reach Venango, till the 
2 2d, where we met with our horses. * * * 

tk The horses were now so weak and feeble, and the 
baggage so heavy (as we were obliged to provide all the 
necessaries which the journey would require) that we 
doubted much their performing it; therefore myself and 
others (except the drivers, who were obliged to ride) gave 
up our horses for packs, to assist along with the baggage. 
I put myself in an Indian walking dress, and continued 
with, them three days, till I found there was no probabil- 
ity of their getting home in any reasonable time. The 
horses grew less able to travel every day; the cold in- 
creased very fast; and the roads were becoming much 



26 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

worse by a deep snow, continually freezing: Therefore as 
I was uneasy to get back to make a report of my pro- 
ceedings to his honour, the governor, I determined to 
prosecute my journey the nearest way through the 
woods on foot. * * * * 

"The day following, [Dec. 27] just after we passed a 
place called the murdering town (where we intended to 
quit the path and steer across the country for Shanna- 
pins Town) we fell in with a party of French Indians, 
who had lain in wait for us. One of them fired at Mr. 
Gist or me, not fifteen steps off, but fortunately missed. 
We took this fellow in custody, and kept him till about 
9 o'clock at night, then let him go, and walked all the 
remainder part of the night without making any stop, 
that we might get the start so far, as to be out of the 
reach of their pursuit the next day, since we were well 
assured they would follow our track as soon as it was 
light. The next day we continued travelling till quite 
dark, and got to the river, about two miles above Shan- 
napins. We expected to have found the river frozen, 
but it was not, only about fifty yards from each shore. 
The ice, I suppose, had broken up above, for it was driv- 
ing in vast quantities. 

"There was no way for getting over but on a raft, 
which we set about with but one poor hatchet, and fin- 
ished just after sunsetting. This was a whole day's work. 
Then set off; but before we were half way over, we were 
jammed in the ice in such a manner, that we expected 
every moment our raft to sink, and ourselves to perish. 
I put out my setting pole to try to stop the raft, that the 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 27 

ice might pass by: when the rapidity of the stream threw 
it with so much violence against the pole, that it jerked 
me out into ten feet water; but I fortunately saved myself 
by catching hold of one of the raft logs. Notwithstand- 
ing all our efforts, we could not get the raft to either 
shore; but were obliged, as we were near an island, to 
quit our raft and make to it. 

"The cold was so extremely severe, that Mr. Gist had 
all his fingers, and some of his toes frozen; but the water 
was shut up so hard, that we found no difficulty in get- 
ting off the island on the ice, in the morning. * * 

"On the nth of Jan. 1754, I got to Belvoir, where I 
stopped one day to take necessary rest; and then set out, 
and arrived in Williamsburgh the 16th, when I waited 
upon his honour, the Governor, with the letter I had 
brought from the French Commandant, and to give an 
account of the success of my proceedings." 

Washington's Journal was published immediately after 
his return. It was read widely in the colonies, and made 
his name known and respected in England. It is a terse, 
simple narrative, without rhetorical flourishes. He was 
modest in referring to his own deeds and adventures. 
He accomplished the purpose for which he had been 
sent; his success as a diplomat and his prowess as a 
woodsman called forth general admiration and praise. 

The designs of the French were now known to all, 
and the leading men of the colonies realized that armed 
resistance was necessary to repel them. The common 
people, however, were not stirred witli martial enthusi- 
asm at the prospect of war over the French-English 



28 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

claims to the lands of the Ohio. The Virginians were 
most interested, yet they were reluctant to take the field. 
To stimulate enlistments, Governor Dinwiddie, promised 
as a bounty to the officers and soldiers of the expedition, 
200,000 acres of what is now called West Virginia. Two 
companies of one hundred men each were raised at once, 
and one hundred and fifty men later. A company of 
frontiersmen, under Captain Trent, were to finish the fort 
(partly built by the Ohio Company) on the site that 
Washington had selected for its strategical value, at the 
junction of the two rivers. 

Washington, in command of another company, w T as 
instructed to act on the defensive, and to prevent French 
encroachments by force, if necessary. War was not yet 
declared, yet this was really the beginning of a long ser- 
ies of conflicts between France and England. 

The campaign to the Ohio in the spring of 1754, end- 
ed in inevitable failure, but not through the fault of 
Washington, whose management of the expedition was 
in the main admirable. There was not much fighting. 
In a skirmish near Great Meadows (May 28), Washing- 
ton surprised and. attacked a detachment of the French, 
taking twenty-one prisoners. The killing of the French 
leader, Jumonville, and ten of his men, was an act not 
altogether justifiable. The French called it assassination, 
a term that Americans resent. 

Washington retired before a superior force of French 
and Indians, probably a thousand or more. The coloni- 
al troops numbered less than four hundred, including a 
company of Carolinians under Captain MacKaye. Their 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 29 

supplies and ammunition were nearly gone, a heavy rain 
wet their powder, and matters reached a desperate pass 
at Fort Necessity. They surrendered (July 3) with hon- 
ors of war, being allowed to inarch back with their arms. 

This was the best that Washington could do in the 
face of adverse circumstances. He returned home as 
Col. Washington, and received the thanks of the Virgin- 
ia L/egislature for his heroic efforts to save Fort Necessi- 
ty. He had learned some valuable lessons, concerning 
border warfare, and his conduct was such as to deserve 
high praise. He was courageous, even to rashness, and 
declared that he loved to hear the whistling of the bul- 
lets. 

Meanwhile, the French built Fort Duquesne, and con- 
tinued their depredations. The spot that they chose for 
a stronghold was the very place which the English had 
been forced to abandon. The city of Pittsburgh now 
stands on this historic site. 

At last the English Government was roused to action, 
and sent two regiments of regulars to America. The de- 
tails of Braddock's expedition, and defeat in 1755, are 
familiar to every school boy who has dipped into history. 
There is no need to repeat them here. The French and 
Indians, under cover of trees, made a sudden attack on 
the English forces in a narrow way. A terrible slaughter 
followed, the regulars not being used to such fighting. 

Washington, who was one of Braddock's aids, greatly 
distinguished himself on that fatal field. With coolness 
and entire self-command, he fearlessly rode here and there 
trying in vain to rally his fleeing troops. Braddock and 



3 o GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

most of his officers were killed, but Washington bore a 
charmed life. Writing of the rout and his extreme per- 
il to his brother, he says: 

"By the all powerful dispensation of providence, I 
have been protected beyond all human probability or ex- 
pectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and 
two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, though 
death was levelling my companions on every side of me. 
We have been mcst scandalously beaten by a trifling 
body of men. A feeble state of health obliges me to 
halt here for two or three days to recover a little strength 
that I may thereby be enabled to proceed homeward with 
more ease." 

There may be some truth in the story that Custis tells 
of the effect of Washington's reckless daring on the In- 
dians who fought on the side of the French in that bloody 
battle. It is in the chapter of ''Recollections of Wash- 
ington" on "The Indian Prophecy." When Col. Wash- 
ington and some woodsmen were locating the lands of 
Kanawha in 1770, they were visited by a party of Indi- 
ans. ( )ne of them was a grand sachem, who had been 
present in the battle of Monongahela. He remembered 
Washington well, and thus addressed him: 

"I am a chief, and the ruler over many tribes. My 
influence extends to the waters of the great lakes, and to 
the far blue mountains. I have travelled a long and 
weary path, that I might see the young warrior of the 
great battle. It was on the day, when the white man's 
blood mixed with the streams of our forest, that I first 
beheld this chief: I called to my young men and said, 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 31 

mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red- 
coat tribe — he hath an Indian's wisdom, and his warri- 
ors fight as we do — himself is alone exposed. Quick, 
let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were 
levelled, rifles which, but for him, knew not how to miss 
— 'twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shield- 
ed him from harm. He cannot die in battle. I am old, 
and soon shall be gathered to the great council-fire of my 
fathers, in the land of shades, but ere I go, there is a 
something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy. List- 
en ! The great spirit protects that man, and guides his 
destinies — he will become the chief of nations, and a peo- 
ple yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty 
empire.'* 

In his report of the battle to the Governor, Washing- 
ton wrote: 

"We continued our march from Fort Cumberland to 
Frazer's (which is within seven miles from Duquesne) 
without meeting any extraordinary event, having only a 
straggler or two picked up by the French Indians. 
When we came to this place we were attacked (very un- 
expectedly) by about three hundred French and Indians. 
Our numbers consisted of about thirteen hundred well- 
armed men, chiefly regulars, who were immediately struck 
with such an inconceivable panic that nothing but con- 
fusion and disobedience of orders prevailed among them. 
The officers in general behaved with incomparable brav- 
ery, for which they greatly suffered, there being nearly 
sixty killed and wounded, a large proportion of the num- 
ber we had. 



32 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

"The Virginia Companies behaved like men, and died 
like soldiers; for, I believe, out of three Companies that 
were on the ground that day, scarce thirty were left 
alive." 

Washington returned to Mount Vernon disheartened, 
and suffering from broken health. He had served his 
country at a considerable personal sacrifice, and he was 
averse to accept this proffered command of the Virginia 
Regiment raised soon afterward. But he practically had 
no choice in the matter; the people looked to him as a 
leader and would have no other. Besides he had the 
soldier spirit in him, and the attractions of a military ca- 
reer were too great to resist. "My inclinations are strong- 
ly bent to arms," he wrote in a letter (Nov. 15, 1754.) 

He felt it his duty, too, to form plans to protect the 
frontier settlements from the robberies and attacks of the 
French and Indians. So three years passed in active 
military service. 

In 1758, Washington, as commander-in-chief of the 
Virginia Volunteers, took part in an expedition against 
Fort Duquesne, led by General Forbes. The fort was 
abandoned and burned (Nov. 24), before the English 
reached the Ohio. On its site they built Fort Pitt, named 
in honor of the great Prime Minister. 

War, however, did not occupy all of Washington's 
time and thoughts. He was a cavalier and lover, as well 
as a soldier. From drafts of letters still extant, written 
in his seventeenth year, it appears that the young sur- 
veyor was a susceptible youth. His passion sometimes 
found expression in lather poor verse. It is said that he 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



33 



was once attached to Sally Cary, who became the wife 
of his friend, George William Fairfax (brother of Mrs. 
Laurence Washington). Later, when commander of the 
Virginia forces, he was favored with the acquaintance of 
many charming women, and he was involved in more 





Washington's First Interview with Mrs. Custis. 
From Schroeder's -'Life of Washington." 

than one affair of the heart. There is a story to the ef- 
fect that he greatly admired Miss Mary Philipse of New 
York, but the wooing of this lady was interrupted; his 
duty as an officer called him to the front, and another 
won her. 

In May, 1758, Washington was called to Williams- 
burgh to confer with the Governor in regard to the con- 
dition of the Virginia troops. While riding thither on 



34 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

horseback with his servant, he stopped for dinner one 
day at the mansion of a hospitable planter. Here he 
was introduced to a lovely young widow, whose manners 
and conversation were so pleasing that he stayed all the 
afternoon. The next day he rode away, a captive to the 
fascinations of Mrs. Martha Custis, whom he courted and 
married (Jan. 6, 1759). She was the widow of Col. Dan- 
iel Parke Custis, a wealthy gentleman who left forty-five 
thousand pounds sterling in money and large estates; 
she had two small children, Martha and John. "The 
marriage was celebrated in the good old hospitable Vir- 
ginia style, amid a joyous assemblage of relatives and 
friends." 

The union proved to be a very happy one. Washing- 
ton was fondly attached to his wife, and through life 
wore on his bosom a miniature portrait of her. Martha 
Washington was tenderly devoted to her husband, for 
whom she felt the highest admiration. She adorned his 
household at Mount Vernon, accompanied him on some 
of his campaigns in the Revolution, and presided with 
grace and dignity over his home at the Capital as the 
first lady of the land. She died May 22, 1802, aged sev- 
enty. No children were born to them, but Washington 
exercised the closest care over the Custis children, and 
adopted Mrs. Washington's grandchildren — Eleanor 
Parke Custis and George Washington Parke Custis. 

After his marriage, George Washington was the wealth- 
iest man in the Old Dominion, if not in tire colonies. 
In those days there were no millionaires in America. It 
is hard to say what was the value of his possessions be- 




Martha Washington. 
(From the Painting by John Woolaston. Courtesy of D. Appleton & Co.) 



36 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

fore the War for Independence. The estate of Mount 
Vernon (consisting of 2500 acres) became his property in 
1753 by the will of Laurence Washington, who be- 
queathed it to "his beloved brother George"— after his 
dauehter Sarah, who died when an infant. Besides oth- 
er estates in Virginia, he owned extensive tracts of land 
(more than 30,000 acres) in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and 
on the Ohio. At the time of his death, his lands, slaves, 
stock, etc. were worth more than half a million dollars. 

Washington at thirty and later was a man of imposing 
appearance. Perhaps the earliest portraiture of the man 
is that by Captain George Mercer of Virginia, one who 
knew him intimately: 

"He may be described as being as straight as any In- 
dian, measuring six feet two inches in his stockings, and 
weighing 175 pounds when he took his seat in the House 
of Burgesses in 1759. His frame is padded with well- 
developed muscles, indicating great strength. His bones 
and joints are large, as are his feet and hands. He is 
wide shouldered, but has not a deep or round chest; is 
neat wristed, but is broad across the hips, and has rather 
long legs and arms. His head is well shaped though 
not large, but is gracefully poised on a superb neck. A 
large and straight rather than a prominent nose; blue- 
gray penetrating eyes, which are widely separated and 
overhung by a heavy brow. His face is long rather than 
broad, with high round cheek bones, and terminates in a 
good firm chin. He has a clear though rather a color- 
less skin, which burns with the sun. A pleasing, be- 
nevolent, though a commanding countenance, dark 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 37 

brown hair, which he wears in a cue. His mouth is 
large and generally firmly closed, but which from time 
to time discloses some defective teeth. His features are 
regular and placid, with all the muscles of his face un- 
der perfect control, though flexible and expressive of deep 
feeling when moved by emotions. In conversation he 
looks you full in the face, is deliberate, deferential and 
engaging. His voice is agreeable rather than strong. 
Tiis demeanor at all times is composed and dignified. 
His movements and gestures are graceful, his walk ma- 
jestic, and he is a splendid horseman.'' 

After the capture of Quebec by Wolfe, in 1759, French 
domination was at an end in the disputed territory of the 
Ohio, and the land was at peace. Washington was pre- 
eminently a man of peace, and was glad to return to pri- 
vate life and took his bride to Mount Vernon, a home 
that he loved. He thus describes it in a letter written 
about this time: 

"No estate in United America is more pleasantly situ- 
ated. In a high and healthy country; in a latitude be- 
tween the extremes of heat and cold; on one of the finest 
rivers in the world — a river well stocked with various 
kinds offish at all seasons of the year, and in the spring 
with shad, herring, bass, carp, sturgeon, &c. , in great 
abundance. The borders of the estate are washed by 
more than ten miles tide-water; several valuable fisheries 
appertain to it; the whole shore, in fact, is one fishery." 

Washington was always a hard worker. He rose ear- 
ly and got through an amazing amount of business dur- 
ing the day. He was in his saddle much of the time, 



38 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



riding about his farms and directing affairs personally. 
He was a flourishing farmer. He took a special pride in 
having everything on his farms first-class. He did much 
to improve the somewhat rude and primitive methods of 
agriculture of his day. He was fond of the chase, and 



f(&** 




Home of Washington, Mt. Vernon. 

delighted in riding after hounds with a party of friends. 
For more than fifteen years (1759-75), Washington 
was a member of the House of Burgesses of Virginia. 
He was a model legislator, concerned for the public wel- 
fare. He was not a man of many words, but he was al- 
ways heard with respect, and the opinions of no other 
man in the assembly had more weight. He was con- 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 39 

stantly serving on committees, in which his sound sense 
and wide knowledge of affairs were utilized in shaping 
the important measures of the colony. 

In the first Continental Congress (1774), to which he 
was a delegate, he gained a reputation for practical wis- 
dom, not surpassed by any other man in that illustrious 
body. 

American history cannot be intelligently read without 
constant reference to English History. The colonists 
came honestly by their love of freedom. They had in- 
herited from their Saxon ancestors the disposition to re- 
volt against unjust and oppressive authority. The strug- 
gle for constitutional liberty in England in the seven- 
teenth century had its bearing on the struggle for inde- 
pendence in America in the eighteenth century. George 
the Third's governmental policy or theory of monarchy 
was substantially that of Charles I. The principles of 
Magna Charta were violated by the Stamp Act and the 
Tea Tax. Injustice was done the colonists by the Nav- 
igation Laws, and other measures were passed by Parlia- 
ment that were calculated to irritate and lead to conflict. 
The stupidity and obstinacy of George III made concili- 
ation out of the question. 

Washington's attitude toward the mother country was 
one of affectionate regard. He shrank from the thought 
of separation from England. The ties that bound the 
colonies to the Old World were not to be lightly broken. 
He appreciated the service that the British Government 
had rendered the provincials in the French and Indian 
Wars. He advised patience, until patience ceased to be 



4 o GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

a virtue. There was a limit to forbearance, and he 
thought it was reached in 1774. Further submission 
seemed like folly. The colonists had to fight for their 
rights, or basely yield and lose their self-respect. The 
final plunge was taken and a new nation was born, a na- 
tion founded on the idea of democratic equality. 

In the exciting events leading up to the Revolution, 
Washington took no insignificant part. It was not so 
much the part of the orator as of a counselor. He was 
no noisy agitator or impractical dreamer. He made few 
speeches in the Virginia Assembly, and in the Continen- 
tal Congress, but what he said was to the point and care- 
fully weighed. He was slow to make up his mind; he 
long hoped for peaceful adjustment of this quarrel be- 
tween America and Britain. Once having determined 
on the right course to take, he never thought of giving 
up. 

The years 1775-80, were years of testing, and some of 
the revolutionists were tried and found wanting. Wash- 
ington was made of different stuff. He had the qualities 
of a great leader, but his inspiring example, as well as 
his leadership, carried the day.- There were moments of 
fearful anxiety, and dark hours when failure stared them 
in the face. Though many despaired, Washington nev- 
er lost courage. He never wavered in his confidence of 
the ultimate success of the colonists' cause. If the worst 
came and they should be driven from their homes on the 
sea-coast, he knew that they could retire to the interior 
of the continent and found an empire in the west, where 
they would be safe from British interference. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 41 

July 4, 1776, must always be regarded as one of the 
principal dates in the world's history. It was the begin- 
ning of a new era in the annals of mankind. Americans 
do well to celebrate the day when the Declaration of In- 
dependence was signed. 

National independence was not won in a single day, 
nor was it the work of one man. The country then stood 
in need of all its patriots, heroes, and sages. The con- 
summation of their hopes required the talents and exer- 
tions of an untold number: Franklin's shrewdness, 
Henry's eloquence, Jefferson's learning, and the impas- 
sioned logic of Samuel Adams were needed, as w T ell as 
the sagacity and generalship of Washington. 

The gifts of all were needed and utilized. To extol 
the part of Washington in the long and hard-foiight 
struggle for independence is not to depreciate the share 
of the other colonial generals and statesmen. Nor should 
the deeds of valor and the patient sacrifices of the rank 
and file be forgotten; and praise is due to the loyal work- 
ers at home, who supplied the sinews of war, and helped 
achieve the victories of the armies in the field. The.co- 
operation of foreign nations, too, must be remembered, 
for they contributed much to the success of American 
arms. Yet, when all this is borne in mind, it is not too 
much to say that Washington was the presiding spirit 
without whom all might have failed. 

In May, 1775, the second Continental Congress met 
at Philadelphia. The time for petitions had passed. 
Preparations for war were to be made, for blood had al- 
ready been shed at Lexington, where the New England 



42 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

militia met the fire of British Regulars. On June 15, 
Col. George Washington, one of the delegates from Vir- 
ginia, was unanimously elected commander of the colon- 
ial army. This was Washington's reply to the President 
of Congress, who announced his appointment as "Gener- 
al in chief of all the American forces:" 

"Though I am truly sensible of the high honor done me in this ap- 
pointment, yet, I feel great distress from a consciousness, that my 
abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive 
and important trust. However, as the congress desire it, I will enter 
upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their 
service and for support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept 
my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their ap- 
probation. 

"Bat, lest some unlucky event should happen unfavorable to my 
reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the 
room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think 
myself equal to the command I am honored with. 

"As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the congress, that as no pe- 
cuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous 
employment, at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do 
not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of 
my expenses. Those I doubt not they will discharge, and that is all 
I desire." 

In keeping with this modest and characteristic state- 
ment of a truly disinterested man is the earnest remark 
in a letter to his wife, written about this time: "As it 
has been a kind of destiny that has thrown me upon this 
service, I shall hope that my undertaking of it is designed 
to answer some good purpose." 

It may be well to quote here the testimony of one of 
Washington's contemporaries, John Bell, of Maryland, 
writing in 1779: 

"With one common voice he was called forth to the 
defense of his country; and it is, perhaps, his peculiar 
glory, that there was not a single inhabitant of these 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 43 

states, except himself, who did not approve the choice 
and place the firmest confidence in his integrity and 
ability." 

There were not many battles fought in the American 
Revolution. The opportunity in war does not often 
come for a "decisive stroke." Perhaps there were only 
three important engagements — at Brooklyn, Saratoga, 
and Yorktown. Washington failed in military opera- 
tions around New York in the summer of 1776; the de- 
feat of the Anglo-German army at Saratoga in 1777 was 
the result of his planning, though he was not present; 
with the help of the French army and fleet, ' he caused 
the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. 

Washington's successes may be quickly enumerated — 
at Boston (March 17,1776), Trenton (December 26, 1776), 
Princeton (January 3, 1777), and Yorktown (October 19, 
1 781). The indecisive engagement at Monmouth (June 
28, 1778) might also be included. The battles that 
Washington lost were fought at Brooklyn (August 27, 
1776), White Plains (October 28, 1776), Brandy wine 
(September 11, 1777), and Germantown (Oct. 4, 1777). 

This seems at first sight a rather poor showing. But, 
when the circumstances are taken into account, the won- 
der is that Washington accomplished so much with the 
means at his disposal. With so many emergencies to 
meet, it was a herculean undertaking to keep things mov- 
ing. There were other obstacles to overcome besides 
hostile armies. 

He had few men, and they were poorly fed and clothed. 
The colonial troops were undisciplined, and the task of 



44 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

drilling and organizing them into an effective army was 
no light one. The colonies lacked the money requisite 
to hire and keep a standing army. The terms of enlist- 
ment were short, and after a campaign or two they re- 
turned home to the plow and the anvil. Then a fresh 
lot of raw recruits had to be drilled and transformed into 
seasoned warriors. Writing to his brother (February 24, 
1777), Washington refers in his characteristic manner to 
the militia, "whose ways, like the ways of Providence, 
are almost inscrutable, who are here to-day and gone to- 
morrow." 

A depreciated currency w r as partly responsible for this 
deplorable state of affairs. At the beginning of the strug- 
gle, coin w 7 as scarce — besides four or five million dollars 
in specie in the treasury, there was perhaps fifteen mill- 
ion in specie in circulation (less than $5 per capita). As 
the volume of paper money increased, its value declined. 
In September, 1778, $1 in specie would exchange for $4 
in continental currency; in September, 1779, for $18; in 
March, 1780, for $40, and later for hundreds. 

Again, the equipment of the colonial army was pain- 
fully inadequate. There w r as little powder in the coun- 
try, and a scarcity of guns and artillery. Supplies were 
slow in coming. In a word, the colonies were not ready 
for war on a large scale. Without the moral support 
and financial assistance of the Dutch (who loaned the 
new nation four million dollars) and the help of 
France and Spain, they would have been reduced to a 
desperate extremity, and the outcome might have been 
different. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 45 

The people too, were not a unit on the subject of re- 
sistance. There were many Royalist Americans — Tories 
they were called — who sympathized with the English 
and aided them in a thousand ways. Some of them were 
high officials and persons of wealth. This crippled the 
righting resources of the country. 

In the army itself there was too often friction and lack 
of harmony, instead of the sinking of personal prefer- 
ences for the common good. There were rivalries and 
dissensions among the officers — to say nothing about 
treason — which greatly annoyed and embarrassed the 
chief. Sectional quarrels and disturbances were frequent 
in the ranks. 

During the first three or four years of the war, Wash- 
ington had a world of trouble with congress; he was 
hampered in carrying out his plans by meddlesome pol- 
iticians. Finally congress gained enough confidence in 
the head of the army to let him use his own judgment. 

Place-hunters were then as importunate as now. The 
commander was beset by a horde of "hungry adventur- 
ers" from Europe, eager for commissions in the colonial 
army. These could not be accommodated when there 
was better fighting material among the Provincials. 
While it is true that Lafayette, Steuben, Pulaski, Kosci- 
usko, and other foreigners rendered valuable service in 
the Revolution, they were the exception. Most of the 
would-be officers from abroad were of no account as sol- 
diers. 

In no one thing was Washington's judgment more 
manifest than in the selection of his assistants, who were 



46 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



in the main faithful and efficient public servants. Among 
the scores of Major-Generals and Brigadiers who served 
under him were several able commanders — Greene, Ward, 
Schuyler, Arnold, Knox, Marion, Hamilton, and others. 
Of these, perhaps Greene made the best military record. 
The intrigues of the Conway cabal form the details of 

a disgracefnl chapter 
of Revolutionary his- 
tory. General Wash- 
ington, however, was 
too firmly entrenched 
in flie affections and 
the regard of the peo- 
ple to be thrown aside 
for one less worthy. 
He was easily first, 
and there was no sec- 
ond. Faction spent 
itself in vain, trying 
to deprive him of his rightful supremacy. The tribute of 
Lodge is not exaggerated: "The soldiers and the people, 
high and low, rich and poor, gave him an unstinted 
loyalty." 

The army of which General Washington assumed com- 
mand at Cambridge, Mass. (July 3, 1776), consisted of 
about 14,500 troops from New England. These were 
stationed to good advantage about Boston — Major-Gen- 
eral Artemas Ward, commanding the right wing on the 
heights of Roxbury, Major-General Charles Lee, the left 
wing on Winter and Prospect Hills, and Major-General 




Alexander Hamilton. Washington's Secretary 
during the early period of the Revolution. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 47 

Israel Putnam, the center at Cambridge. During the 
summer, several companies of riflemen were raised in 
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, and marched to 
Cambridge. At first "confusion and discord reigned," to 
use Washington's own words, but gradually he brought 
order out of chaos. 



m 



August the 




Gen. Charles Lee. 
Born 1731. Died 1782. 



Early 
alarming discovery was 
made that there was less 
than ten thousand pounds 
of powder in camp. Wash- 
ington was thunderstruck 
with astonishment. Had 
Gage, the British General 
in command at Boston, 
attacked them then, he 
could have inflicted ter- 
rible punishment. The 
danger was concealed, and disaster averted by piling up 
barrels of sand labelled powder. After innumerable de- 
lays, supplies of ammunition and ordnance were ob- 
tained. 

In September an expedition was got ready to march 
through Maine into Canada, and thence to Quebec and 
Montreal. One detachment of eleven hundred men was 
led by Col. Benedict Arnold; the other by General Rich- 
ard Montgomery. The campaign was well planned and 
almost succeeded. The soldiers suffered intensely from 
cold and hunger. Montreal was taken, but the assault 
on Quebec (Dec. 31) failed. 



48 



GEORGE WASHINGTON, 



In the autumn several cruisers were fitted out to prey 
on British commerce, and to intercept supplies on the 
way for the British army at Boston. They succeeded in 
doing considerable damage to English shipping and cap- 
tured some valuable store-ships. 

In the winter the American troops were actively en- 
gaged on the fortifications near 
Boston, and preparations were 
begun for the defense of Rhode 
Island, New York, and other 
exposed points. 

In December Mrs. 'Washing- 
ton arrived at Cambridge and 
her presence brightened camp- 
life for the General. The so- 
ber New Englanders being un- 
used to showy equipages, her 
coming in the family coach 
drawn by four horses, attended by colored servants in 
livery, made a sensation in the sleepy town. 

Meanwhile a new army was raised, the first Continen- 
tal army enlisted for 1776. On January 1, "the Union 
Flag, composed of thirteen alternate red and white 
stripes," was first displayed. 

A few weeks later Col. Henry Knox reached the camp 
with a train of artillery, cannons and mortars, captured 
from the enemy at Ticonderoga. The new soldiers were 
ill-supplied with arms. "There are near 2000 men now 
in camp without firelocks," writes Washington (Febru- 
ary 9). Unprepared as they were, he was in favor of an 




Gen. Richard Montgomery. 
Born 173G. Died 1775. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 49 

attack on the British lines in Boston, but was overruled 
by a council of war. 

At last, supplied with powder and cannon, Washing- 
ton improved the long-look ed-f or opportunity to strike. 
During the night of March 4, a furious cannonade was 
kept up. Under cover of darkness the American trocps 
seized Dorchester Heights, which commanded the city, 
and threw up entrenchments. The men worked with a 
will and planted cannon the next day, while the Eng- 
lish waited. The indolent Howe, who had succeeded 
Gage, was disposed to take things easy. Finding his 
position in Boston untenable without a conflict, he speed- 
ily departed (March i7\ embarking all of his forces and 
leaving behind a large quantity of arms and baggage. 

This success of Washington's was an occasion of much 
rejoicing to the Bostonians and greatly encouraged the 
whole country. As Howe had a well-equipped army of 
experienced soldiers and a strong fleet, he might have 
made an effective resistance. His inefficiency called 
forth the sarcastic remark, that "any other General in 
the world would have beaten General Washington; and 
any other General in the world than General Washing- 
ton would have beaten General Howe." 

This rather grudging praise does not give Washing- 
ton his full share of credit. The victory was the result 
of wise foresight and careful planning, of persistent and 
untiring effort during the months of the preceding 
autumn and winter. Washington had now a good army, 
fairly w r ell equipped. "Method and exactness are the 
fort of his character," writes one of his contemporaries, 



50 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

and he carried these qualities into the conduct of the 
war. The difficulties that he had to contend against 
were enormous, and he set about industriously to over- 
come them with business-like sagacity. 

Washington was a strict disciplinarian, yet he had the 
power of attaching soldiers to him and of securing their 
hearty co-operation. Says an American gentleman liv- 
ing in London (1779): 

u He punishes neglect of duty with great severity, but 
is very tender and indulgent to recruits until they learn 

the articles of war and their exercise perfectly He 

has made the art of war his particular study; his plans 
are in general good and well digested; he is particularly 
careful of securing a retreat, but his chief qualifications 
are steadiness, perseverance and secrecy; any act of 
bravery he is sure to reward, and make a short eulogium 
on the occasion to the person and his fellow soldiers (if 
it be a soldier in the ranks)." 

One secret of Washington's success as a commander 
was the force of his personality, which impressed officers 
and men alike. It was not only his soldierly bearing 
and his stately figure, his strong will and passionate na- 
ture made him respected as a leader. Underneath a 
placid exterior was a fiery temper, usually well con- 
trolled, whose occasional outbursts of anger they dread- 
ed. Here was a man not to be trifled with, one who 
insisted on obedience to orders. Soldiering under Wash- 
ington was not play. 

As it was expected that New York would be the next 
objective point of attack by the English army and fleet, 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 51 

the work of preparing defenses went on expeditiously, 
and early in April the colonial army marched thither. 
There was a delay on the part of General Howe, whose 
fleet remained at Halifax a few months to await re- 
enforcements from England. 

The movement against New York was made in the 
summer, and British troops landed on Staten Island 
(July 3)- Later they were re-enforced by others. Wash- 
ington writes (July 22) that "the enemy's numbers will 
amount at least to twenty-five thousand men ; ours to 
about fifteen thousand." He underestimated the strength 
of the British, whose combined forces were 31,625 (Au- 
gust 1), while less than 11,000 of his own men were on 
duty. 

A battle was expected, and Washington essayed to 
nerve his troops with resolution and hope. These man- 
ly words appear in the Orderly Book for August 23 : 

"The Enemy have now landed on Long Island,and the 
hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Suc- 
cess of this Army and the Safety of our Bleeding Coun- 
try will depend. Remember, officers and soldiers, that 
you are freemen, fighting for the blessings of Liberty, 
that Slavery will be your portion, and that of your pos- 
terity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men." 

General Howe debarked 15,000 troops on Long Island 
(August 22), and another division was landed (August 
25). In the battle of Long Island (August 27), the 
Americans (four or five thousand) were commanded by 
General John Sullivan, owing to the illness of General 
Nathaniel Greene, who had prepared the lines of de- 



52 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

fense. Not knowing the ground well, he was taken by 
surprise and his division hemmed in by a superior force 
(eight or nine thousand), under Sir Henry Clinton. 
They suffered a heavy loss of men killed and captured. 
With a long line of posts to guard, Washington was 
powerless to aid them ; from a hill in Brooklyn he 
watched the battle and saw with anguish the rout and 
surrender of Lord Stirling's division of Maryland bat- 
talions. 

The next day in a council of war it was determined 
"to give up Long Island, and not, by dividing the force, 
be unable to resist the enemy in any one point of at- 
tack." The victor, feeling sure of his prey, failed to 
follow up his advantage at once, as a great general would 
have done. A little skirmishing took place on August 
28, but the assault on the works was postponed. The 
dilatory tactics of Howe enabled Washington to slip out 
of his grasp. 

Boats were obtained, and on the following night the 
American forces (nine thousand) embarked and escaped, 
unobserved by the British, in the rain and mist. Refer- 
ring to their passage across East River, Washington 
wrote: "For forty-eight hours preceding that, I had hard- 
ly been off my horse, and never closed my eyes." This 
retreat, as Lodge truly observes, "was a feat of arms as 
great as most victories." 

There being no prospect of holding New York, Wash- 
ington marched northward (September 13^, leaving the 
city in possession of the enemy. There were occasional 
skirmishes, the most notable at Harlem, but not much 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



53 



fighting before the battle near White Plains (about 
twenty-six miles northeast of New York). On October 
28 a detachment of fifteen or sixteen hundred troops, un- 
der General Alexander McDougall, was defeated on Chat- 
terton Hill by five thousand of the British. Howe was 
deterred from attacking the main body of Washington's 




Washington's Headquarters at Newburgh. 



army, two miles away, by a very formidable-looking, 
but rather unsubstantial, embankment of corn-stalks 
with the roots turned outward. Not availing themselves 
of the slight advantage gained, the English broke up 
camp and withdrew southward. 

Washington followed with his army and arrived at 



54 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

Fort Lee (November 13). On November 16, the English 
took by storm Fort Washington on Manhattan Island, 
not far from Fort Lee. It was bravely defended by a 
garrison of nearly three thousand men under Col. Magaw, 
who was forced to surrender. The place had been held 
against Washington's advice, and he felt the loss most 
keenly, because unnecessary. "This," he wrote (Nov. 
19), u is a most unfortunate affair, and has given me great 
mortification; as we have lost not only two thousand men 
that were there, but a good deal of artillery, and some of 
the best arms we had. And what adds to my mortifica- 
tion is, that this post, after the last ships went past it, 
was held contrary to my wishes and opinion, as I con- 
ceived it to be a hazardous one." 

Thus ended for a while "the struggle for the Hudson." 
An Anglo-Hessian army of 6,000 approached Fort Lee 
(November 20), and the stronghold was abandoned in a 
hurry. The Continental army of a few thousand retreat- 
ed to Newark, New Jersey; the enemy following close, 
"often the music of the pursued and the pursuers would 
be heard by each other, yet no action occurred." Wash- 
ington obstructed the advance of the enemy as much as 
possible by destroying bridges and provisions on the 
way. At Newark he made a short stand, but avoided 
fighting, as his army was dwindling away. 

From Newark he retreated to Brunswick (November 
26). Here two brigades quit the army, their terms of 
service having expired. "The loss of these troops," 
writes General Greene, "at this critical time reduced his 
Excellency to the necessity to order a retreat again. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 55 

When we left Brunswick, we had not 3,000 men." Un- 
der discouraging circumstances they pressed on to Prince- 
ton (December 2), and then to Trenton. 

u Thesearethe times that try men's souls," wrote 
Thomas Paine in the American Crisis (December, 1776). 
Beneath his heavy load of cares and burdens, Washington 
bore up with wonderful fortitude. His resources were 
not yet exhausted. Again it was necessary to give way 
before the advancing enemy, and the little army crossed 
the Delaware on the morning of December 8. A few 
hours later "the British came marching down to the riv- 
er, expecting to cross, but no boats were within reach, 
all having been collected and secured on the west bank." 
Once more the American leader had eluded an over- 
whelming force. 

As the enemy were moving in the direction of Phila- 
delphia, steps were now taken to fortify the city. From 
his headquarters at the Keith farm-house, Washington 
wrote to his brother John Augustine (December 18): 

"Since I came on this side, I have been joined by 
about two thousand of the city militia, and I understood 
that some of the country militia (from the back coun- 
ties) are on the way. But we are in a very disaffected 
part of the Province; and, between you and me, I think 

our affairs are in a very bad situation 

"You can form no idea of the perplexity of my situa- 
tion. No man, I believe, ever had a greater choice of 
difficulties, and less means to extricate himself from 
them. However, under a full persuasion of the justice 
of our cause, I cannot entertain an idea, that it will 



56 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

finally sink, though it may remain for some time under 
a cloud." 

Two days later his heart was cheered by the arrival at 
his camp above Trenton Falls of General Gates, Sulli- 
van, and Cadwalader, with several regiments of regulars 
and militiamen. These additions increased his fighting 
force to nearly eleven thousand. 

Now the time had come to act on the aggressive, while 
the British army was scattered. Howe having retired to 
New York, thinking there would be no further hostilities 
during the winter, Washington planned a bold attack on 
Christmas night, an hour before dawn. The enterprise 
succeeded. It was a cold stormy night and the river 
full of ice, yet he crossed the Delaware with his own di- 
vision of 2,400 men and marched nine miles to Trenton. 
Here he surprised the Hessians at daybreak and defeat- 
ed them, taking nearly a thousand prisoners with their 
arms and cannon. The engagement lasted less than an 
hour. This brilliant victory revived the drooping cour- 
age of the army and alarmed the enemy. 

When the news reached New York, Cornwallis hast- 
ened forth with 8,000 men to punish him. Meanwhile 
Washington was not idle. He again crossed the Dela- 
ware (December 30); the passage was exceedingly diffi- 
cult and perilous on account of the floating ice. At 
Trenton he was joined by the divisions under Generals 
Mirflin and Cadwalader, some 3,800 men. He was not 
strong enough, however, for a pitched battle with the en- 
tire Anglo-Hessian army. By good fortune and strategy 
he saved himself from disaster and dealt the enemy anoth- 



58 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

er stunning blow. With the main body of his army, 
Lord Cornwallis inarched from Princeton, (January 
2, 1777), leaving- three regiments under Col. Maw- 
hood. He reached the neighborhood #f Trenton late 
in the afternoon and had the best of the Americans 
in the skirmishing that ensued. Here he rested from 
combat at nightfall. Washington was at his mercy, 
if he had pressed his advantage at dark. He halted 
near Washington's camp, and in the morning the 
Americans were gone. Leaving their fires burning 
brightly to deceive the enemy, they stole silently away 
at midnight, and by a round-about march arrived at 
Princeton about sunrise. Here Washington won a com- 
plete victory and gained possession of the town with 
small loss. One hundred of the enemy were killed, be- 
sides four hundred prisoners and wounded. It is hardly 
too much to say that these two unlooked-for successes 
"saved the Revolution." They were a revelation of 
Washington's military ability. They not only exhila- 
rated the spirits of the colonists, but extorted praise and 
admiration from the foe. "His march through our lines 
is allowed to have been a prodigy of generalship," wrote 
Horace Walpole. Washington was now accorded a place 
among the greatest captains of the time. 

During the winter months of 1777 there was a cessa- 
tion of hostilities. Washington's feelings of elation over 
British reverses were mingled with disappointment and 
alarm as he saw his army suddenly melt away. He 
wrote to the governors of the New England States and 
to the members of Congress, dwelling on the imperative 




Washington at the Battle of Prim 



6o GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

necessity of establishing a permanent army upon which 
he could depend at all times. 

He would have been almost helpless, if the enemy had 
attacked him at this time. In the circular-letter to the 
Governors, Washington wrote (January 24): 

"Nothing but their ignorance of our numbers protects 
us at this very time, when, on the contrary, had we six 
or eight thousand regular troops, or could the militia, 
who were with me a few days ago, have been prevailed 
upon to stay, we could have struck such a stroke, as 
would have inevitably ruined the army of the enemy, in 
their divided state." 

The winter wore gloomily away. Fortunately Gener- 
al Howe remained inactive. Washington had only four 
thousand men, and many of these were sick and starv- 
ing. The commander put forth renewed efforts to im- 
prove the character of the soldiers by prohibiting gam- 
ing, swearing, and other vices. Mindful of the value of 
religion as a moral force, he arranged later for the chap- 
lains to hold services on Sunday, wherever practicable, 
and enjoined attendance on the part of the men. 

In May, Washington fixed his headquarters at Middle- 
brook, New Jersey, having under his immediate com- 
mand seven thousand men. Howe had ten thousand or 
more with him. Each commander was carefully noting 
the movements of the other, and neither was desirous of 
bringing on a drawn battle. After some skirmishing, 
Howe withdrew to Staten Island with his entire army 
(June 30). 

Anticipating that How r e would proceed into Central 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



61 




New York to co-operate with Burgoyne, Washington 
marched northward. He was much chagrined by the in- 
telligence of the evacuation of Ticonderoga (July 6). 
An intercepted letter from Howe to Burgoyne fell into 
his hands, and it convinced 
him that Philadelphia was 
Howe's real destination. 

Washington then directed 
the march of the army to- 
ward Philadelphia and ar- 
rived at this city himself in 
advance of the troops (August 
2). Here he first met Lafay- 
ette, who had just been com- 
missioned a Major - General, 
having volunteered his ser- 
vices without pay. It was 

the beginning of a lifelong friendship between the two 
men. A few days afterward the Marquis witnessed a re- 
view of the army, "about eleven thousand men, ill-armed, 
and still worse clothed." The gifted young Frenchman 
was favorably impressed with the troops, notwithstand- 
ing their motley attire and indifferent tactics. "In spite 
of these disadvantages, " he says in his Memoirs, 'the 
soldiers were fine, and the officers zealous; virtue stood 
in place of science, and each day added both to experi- 
ence and discipline." 

Later, Washington was gratified to hear of victories in 
the North, at Oriskany and Bennington. He was still in 
the dark as to Howe's movements, but supposed that 



Gen. John Burgoyne. 
Born 1722. Died 1792. 



62 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

Charleston was the point where the British fleet would 
strike. News came at length that it was in Chesapeake 
Bay. The Continental army at once marched southward 
through Philadelphia (August 24), to a point near Wil- 
mington. 

The next day the English army of 18,000 men landed 
at the head of the Bay and proceeded northward. On 
August 27, Howe issued another "Declaration," promis- 
ing security to peaceful citizens and pardon to rebels who 
would surrender and renew allegiance to the king. 
There was no stampede of colonists flocking to his stand- 
ard. 

On the morning of September 3, the British troops 
won in a smart skirmish not far from the village of New- 
port, Delaware. Leaving Newport (September 9), the 
Americans crossed Brandywine Creek at Chad's Ford, 
and not far away the battle of Brandywine was fought 
(September 11). Cornwallis, an able general, led 7,000 
British troops, aided by General Knyphausen with 7,000 
mercenaries. The main body of Washington's army 
was stationed at Chad's Ford to guard the passage. On 
the opposite bank the Hessian Commander made a feint 
of attempting to cross, while Cornwallis moved north- 
ward and crossed at the upper fords, three miles distant. 
Washington, misled by false reports concerning the en- 
emy's movements, was outgeneraled and dislodged from 
his position. He had fewer men (11,000), yet he had the 
advantage over Cornwallis, who won a decisive victory. 
Through an oversight Sullivan had not guarded the fords 
where the British had crossed. It was a fatal blunder. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 63 

The American loss was 1,000 killed, wounded, and cap- 
tured, that of the British nearly 600. Cornwallis did 
not pursue. 

By rapid and fatiguing marches the Continental army 
moved northward, hindered by bad weather, sometimes 
wading through streams waist deep. They arrived at 
Pottsgrove (September 22), in a pitiable plight. "At 
least one thousand men are bare-footed, and have per- 
formed the marches in that condition," wrote Washing- 
ton to the President of Congress. 

After a short rest he moved his forces toward Phila- 
delphia (September 26), and the same day Cornwallis 
with his battalions entered the city unopposed. 

An effort was made to supply the needs of the suffer- 
ing men. At this time they were cheered by the report 
of a successful engagement at Stillwater, New York, be- 
tween the armies of Gates and Burgoyne (September 19). 

Washington's army now consisted of about 8,000 Con- 
tinentals and 3,000 militiamen. With this force he 
marched against the enemy at Germantown, October 4, 
where success in the morning was turned later in the day 
into defeat, through a series of deplorable mistakes and 
unfortunate circumstances. The fog and smoke caused 
confusion and panic. The Americans, not downcast over 
the result, were eager for another action. Re-enforce- 
ments came from Virginia, and not long afterward en- 
couraging messages of the second victory of Gates over 
Burgoyne (October 7). 

Then the desponding hearts of all were gladdened by 
a dispatch conveying the w :ieome information of the sur- 



64 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

render of Burgoyne and his entire army (6,000) at Sara- 
toga (October 14.) The significance of this event can 
scarcely be over-estimated. Lodge sums up the situation 
tersely and justly: "The Revolution had been saved at 
Trenton; it was established at Saratoga. In the one case 
it was the direct, in the other the indirect work of Wash- 
ington. " 

Another cause of congratulation was the repulse of the 
Hessians at Fort Mercer (October 22). The next day 
there was a spirited naval encounter on the Delaware, 
near Fort Mifflin, which resulted in the loss of two Brit- 
ish gun-boats. In the meantime Howe had evacuated 
Germantown and retired to Philadelphia with an army 
reduced to ten thousand, while Washington had a body 
of men estimated at more than eleven thousand. The 
Americans w r ere now on such a good war footing that an 
attack on the enemy's camp at Philadelphia was consid- 
ered (November 24), but not undertaken on account of 
the strong fortifications. 

The season for military operations having closed, the 
army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge on the 
west bank of the Schuylkill River. Here Washington 
was in a favors ble position to defend himself and to ob- 
serve the actions of the British army. 

The surrounding country had been pretty thoroughly 
foraged by the enemy, and at times the American sol- 
diers were entirely destitute of bread and meat. There 
was lack of other necessaries, such as clothes and blank- 
ets. Log-huts were built for the men, who were many 
of them ill and half naked. The hardships and priva- 



o 

ft) 




66 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

tions of this severe winter were long remembered by the 
patriotic troops and their loyal commander, who did all 
in his power to make them comfortable. There is a pa- 
thetic description in Lafayette's Memoirs of their terrible 
distress and their heroic endurance. Baron Steuben, a 
Prussian officer, visited the camp (February 23, 1778) 
with his secretary, who thus stated his impression of 
the Commander-in-chief: 

"I could not keep my eyes from that imposing coun- 
tenance — grave, yet not severe; affable, without famili- 
arity. Its predominant expression was calm dignity, 
through which you could trace the strong feelings of the 
patriot, and discern the father as well as the commander 
of his soldiers." 

The winter of 1778 was one that Washington had oc- 
casion to remember for another reason. It was then 
that a base plot was laid to displace him and make Gen- 
eral Gates commander. The conspiracy was headed by 
General Conway, whose name is handed down in history 
as the chief ringleader of the "Conway Cabal." Other 
officers were implicated in the affair. Never did Wash- 
ington's character appear to better advantage than when 
he was passing through this, the severest ordeal of his 
life. With dignity and self-restraint he bore up under 
this grievous trial, although sorely disturbed by the com- 
plaints and criticisms of his opponents. In addition to 
his other burdens, he found it a heavy load to carry. 
The scheme failed and reacted upon its authors, while 
Washington found himself growing in public esteem and 
confidence. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



*7 



When the spring finally came, death and desertion had 
thinned the ranks of the Continentals at Valley Forge. 
It seemed the part of wisdom to strengthen and disci- 
pline the army, and be ready to strike the enemy as op- 
portunity might occur. 

In April copies of Lord North's "Conciliatory Bills" 




Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge. 

reached headquarters, and soon afterward peace commis- 
sioners from England arrived at Philadelphia. "Noth- 
ing short of independence," wrote Washington at this 
time. "A peace on other terms would, if I may be al- 
lowed the expression, be a peace of war." His views 
were echoed and applauded by patriots throughout the 
colonies, and the commissioners returned home, their 
mission a failure, Their promises were distrusted and 
their bribes spurned, Rejecting their tempting offers, 
Joseph Reed said; U I am not worth purchasing, but, such 



68 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

as I am, the King of Great Britain is not rich enough to 
do it." 

Henceforth every officer in the American army was re- 
quired to take the oath affirming "the United States of 
America to be free, independent and sovereign states," 
and renouncing allegiance to the King of Great Britain. 

Meanwhile treaties of commerce and alliance with 
France had been negotiated and signed. By foreign na- 
tions the American Government was looked upon as per- 
manently established. In this view George III did not 
concur, and the thought of the separation of the colonies 
from the old country was still opposed by the English 
people. So the war went on. Says an English his- 
torian: 

"The honor of England seemed at stake; even those 
who had been against the war before, now thought that 
it must be carried on boldly. Thus Chatham, in the 
House of Lords, declared he would never consent to 'an 
ignominious surrender of the rights of the Empire.' 
'Shall we now,' he said, 'fall prostrate before the House 
of Bourbon?' And his death in May, 1778, put an end 
to the last hope of reconciliation with America." 

In June General Clinton's army of 12,000 evacuated 
Philadelphia and marched toward Trenton. Washington, 
hearing of it, moved his army to the Delaware and crossed 
into New Jersey (June 22). He determined to attack at 
once, his force being then slightly superior to Clinton's. 
Lee, the senior Major-General had command of the ad- 
vanced divisions in the battle of Monmouth (June 28); 
he had opposed the attack (being secretly attached to the 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 60 

English cause), and ordered a retreat at the beginning of 
the engagement. Washington, hurrying to the spot, in- 
stantly stopped the retreating column and furiously de- 
nounced Lee for his unsoldierly conduct. Having ral- 
lied the demoralized troops, by a gallant and determined 
charge he forced the English army from the field. In 
the night they hastily departed. Washington with his 
ragged Continentals had saved the day, though with the 
loss of more than two hundred men killed and wounded. 
The British loss was over four hundred, besides numer- 
ous deserters on the retreat. 

The coming of Count d'Estaing with the French fleet 
in July meant a strong addition to the American side, 
whose navy was weak. One result of his co-operation 
was the destruction of six British frigates and other ves- 
sels off Newport, R. I. , in August. 

The enemy was now obliged to act on the defensive. 
"With an army so much diminished at New York, noth- 
ing important can be done," wrote Sir Henry Clinton in 
October. The autumn passed, and Washington went in- 
to winter quarters at Middlebrook, New Jersey. No fur- 
ther military operations were undertaken, except to re- 
pel the ravages of bands of Indians and Tories on the 
frontier. Winter campaigning in the North being out of 
the question, the British invaded Georgia and seized Sa- 
vannah. 

Although the army was in much better condition than 
in the previous winter, colonial affairs were anything but 
flourishing. There were party dissensions and personal 
quarrels that vexed the soul of the commander, who 



70 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

viewed with dismay the absence of spirit and the want 
of united effort. Habits of extravagance prevailed among 
the more opulent classes, and speculation was rife. These 
causes together with the interruption of many lines of 
business' left the country's finances in bad shape. Pub- 
lic credit was impaired, and a depreciated currency was 
the result. 

A gentleman who saw General Washington at his 
headquarters at Middlebrook in February, 1779, thus de- 
scribes his personal appearance: 

"It is natural to view with keen attention the counte- 
nance of an illustrious man, with a secret hope of dis- 
covering in his features some peculiar traces of excel- 
lence, which distinguish him above his fellow mortals. 
These expectations are realized in a peculiar manner, in 
viewing the person of General Washington. His tall 
and noble stature and just proportions, his fine, cheerful, 
open countenance, simple and modest deportment, are 
all calculated to interest every beholder in his favor, and 
to command veneration and respect. He is feared even 
when silent, and beloved even while we are unconscious 

of the motive In conversation, his Excellency's 

expressive countenance is peculiarly interesting and 
pleasing." 

For the most part, only a defensive kind of warfare 
could be waged against the enemy in the spring and sum- 
mer of 1779. There were two successful expeditions 
against the hostile savages of Pennsylvania and Western 
New York. The British raided some New England 
towns, burning houses and destroying other property. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 7 i 

The port of Stony Point was taken by General Wayne 
(July 1 6), and abandoned two days later. There were 
other small successes. For several months (July-Novem- 
ber) Washington's headquarters were at West Point, 
where he was compelled to remain in comparative inac- 
tivity, owing to a lack of funds necessary for a vigorous 
prosecution of the war. Meanwhile the place was strong- 
ly fortified. 

The army wintered at Morristown, New Jersey, and 
nearly perished from cold and hunger— there being a fre- 
quent dearth of provisions. An attempt was planned in 
midwinter to surprise and attack the enemy's post on 
Staten Island. The British learned of the expedition in 
time and saved themselves. A quantity of stores and a 
few prisoners were secured. 

In this dreary winter of 1779-80, when the fortunes of 
the colonies seemed to be at the lowest ebb, their cause 
was pleaded effectually at the French court by Lafayette 
and succor was obtained. Already Spain had formed an 
alliance with France to fight England and advanced 
$2,000,000 to the Americans; the close of 1780 found 
Holland in arms against Britain. 

In the spring a fleet with six thousand men under 
Count de Rochambeau set sail from France and arrived 
at Newport (July 10). Never was help more timely, and 
the United States honors the name of the gifted and gen- 
erous young Frenchman who befriended the nation in 
its extremity — Marquis de Lafayette. 

The only sensible course open to Washington this 
summer was to harass the enemy and thwart intended 



72 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

attacks. To be slow and sure and watchful for oppor- 
tunities to strike — this seems to have been the Fabian 
policy that he had adopted. His maneuvers had the 
desired result. Not much was accomplished by the Brit- 
ish after the capture of Charleston (May 24) until the dis- 
astrous defeat of General Gates by Lord Corn wall is at 
Camden, S. C. (August 16), which ended that General's 
military career in disgrace. 

"We are now drawing an inactive campaign to a close," 
wrote Washington (October 5), disappointed at the little 
progress that they had made. The war had been pro- 
longed beyond his expectations, and yet the end seemed 
far off. He had hoped much from the co-operation of 
their French allies, but the second fleet was blocked up 
in Brest by English ships. In the meantime he stood 
in great need of the powder and arms expected from 
France. Thus his plans for the campaign had to be 
changed. "A foreign loan is indispensably necessary to 
the continuance of the war," he wrote to General Sulli- 
van (November 20). 

Washington's "Fabian policy," though necessary, was 
unpopular with many, who wished to annihilate the en- 
emy in short order. Given the requisite munitions of 
war, and his course would have been different. Without 
these, the record of splendid achievements could not be 
written. 

A dramatic episode of the war this year was the at- 
tempted betrayal of the fortress of West Point to the 
British by the traitor, Benedict Arnold. By the taking 
of Mnjor Andrd, the s; y, with Arnold's letter in his pos- 



74 



GEORGE WASHINGTON, 



session, the plan was frustrated. Arnold fled in time to 
save his life (September 25), and as an officer in the Brit- 
ish army, he engaged in a sort of predatory warfare in 
Virginia and Connecticut (1780-81). He received a large 
reward (about ^6,300) for his treachery, but was univer- 
sally detested thereafter. Andre, 
the British officer who arranged 
the affair with Arnold, was hanged 
as a spy. 

Washington's winter quarters 
were at New Windsor, New York; 
part of the army were stationed 
at West Point, and one brigade 
near Albany. So distressing was 
the condition of Pennsylvania 
troops at Morristown, New Jersey, 
that they mutinied early in Janu- 
ary, 1 781. Some of the New Jersey troops also revolted. 
A crisis was narrowly averted. Extraordinary exertions 
had to be made to provide for them. The ladies of 
Philadelphia collected a considerable fund (more than 
three hundred thousand dollars), for the relief of the sol- 
diers. The noble Lafayette contributed one hundred 
guineas. 

Meanwhile, the war in the South was progressing sat- 
isfactorily under the command of General Greene, who 
succeeded Gates. The encouraging report came of Gen- 
eral Daniel Morgan's victory at Cowpens, S. C. (Jan. 17). 
For the first time Washington's birthday was publicly 
celebrated in February, 1781, the French officers and 




Gen. Benedict Arnold. 
Born 1741. Died 1801. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 75 

troops at Newport beginning the custom of observing it 
as a holiday. Already the epithet had been applied to 
him of "Father of the Country." From this time to his 
death he was the recipient of many nattering attentions 
and highly prized honors. Notwithstanding his some- 



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An Incident at the Battle of Cowpens. 

what cold, imperious manner, he was the most popular 
man in the country. 

In March, 1781, Maryland ratified the "Articles of Con- 
federation," adopted by Congress, November 15, 1777, all 
the other States having previously done so. A better or- 
ganization of the government was now possible. To fa- 
cilitate the transaction of public business, different de- 
partments were established. There being no executive, 



76 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

the duties of administration fell largely on these officials: 
Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance; General Al- 
exander Mc Don gall, Secretary of Marine; Robert R. 
Livingston, Secretary of Foreign Affairs; and General 
Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary of War. This was the be- 
ginning of the Cabinet of later times. 

In the spring news came of the battle of Guilford 
Court-House, N. C. (March 15). It was a defeat for the 
Americans under Greene, but not without disadvantages 
to the winning side. Boasting of his victory, Cornwallis 
prepared for his fatal march into Virginia. 

Washington was depressed, though not discouraged at 
the prospect of an indefinite duration of the war, because 
of the lack of funds to equip and maintain a first-class 
army. The people were poverty stricken and slow 
to respond to his appeals. 

In May he heard that Count de Grasse was on the way 
with a squadron and supplies. Prospects brightened. 
The commander set out for Weathersfield, Conn., for a 
conference with Count de Rochambeau u to settle a defi- 
nitive plan of the campaign." A few days later he re- 
ceived a letter from the U. S. Minister at the Court of 
Versailles, informing him of the donation of $1,200,000 
from France to this country,to buy arms, clothes, etc., for 
the American army. The beginning of the end was al- 
most in sight. 

By the junction of the French and American troops in 
New York (July, 1781 ), it became necessary for the ene- 
my to strengthen their lines in the North, and to recall 
the army from the South. Washington's purpose having 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 77 

been accomplished, the proposed attack on New York 
was abandoned. Late in August, with high hopes, he 
set out on the expedition against Lord Corn wal lis, then 
in Virginia. 

Early in September, Washington writes: "Received 
the agreeable news of the safe arrival of the Count de 
Grasse in the Bay of Chesapeake with 28 sail of the line 
and four frigates, with 3000 land troops which were to 
be immediately debarked at Jamestown and form a junct- 
ion w T ith the American army under the command of the 
Marquis de la Fayette." 

Once more Washington was in his native State, and 
able to spend a few days at Mount Vernon, the first visit 
in six years. Soon he was with the army on the mem- 
orable march to Yorktown, which was invested on all 
sides by the allied forces, numbering some sixteen thous- 
and (September 30). 

Here took place the culminating event of six years of 
fighting — the surrender of the British army under Corn- 
wallis ( October 19). The number of prisoners was 7 ,.247. 
This telling blow was the result of clever planning, and 
the skillful combination of both land and naval forces. 
To overcome the difficulties in the way, and achieve a 
masterly triumph was the work of a great general. 

Although the conflict seemed to be terminated by this 
crushing defeat, the war was not ended for two years 
more. British armies in the North and the South did 
little more than act on the defensive. But so long as they 
remained in the country and occupied some of the chief 
cities, there was need for sleepless vigilance and for 



7 8 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

instant readiness to fight. The Revolutionists now felt 
the temptation to relax their efforts, success being assured. 
Washington saw danger in such a course and sought to 
impress on the tired colonists the urgency of further pre- 
parations to repel the enemy. It was hard for them to 
realize the peril of inaction. 

At last the British king saw the folly of continuing 
the struggle, and with reluctance permitted negotiations 
looking toward peace, granting the colonies complete in- 
dependence. The menacing attitude of European na- 
tions influenced him to take this step. The war had al- 
ready cost the British Government ^100,000,000, and it 
seemed like a foolish waste of treasure to go on. The 
final treaty of peace was signed (September 3, 1783) and 
the troops were recalled home; New York was evacuated 
in November. 

Washington had entered the conflict with the deter- 
mination to fight it out to a successful conclusion. In- 
dependence having been won, he was ready to lay aside 
the sword, and become a man of peace. Meeting the offi- 
cers of the Continental army,for the last time in Fraunce's 
tavern, New York, he took a final and affectionate leave 
of his comrades (December 4). He resigned his com- 
mission at Annapolis (December 23), having seen eight 
and a half years of service as commander-in-chief. 

When Washington retired to private life, passed fifty, 
his boyish dream had come true — he had "achieved the 
reputation of the first soldier of his time," The best judg- 
es in Europe admitted this, Even England recognized 
his superiority to her own generals, Greene's noble tri- 



8o GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

bute to the greatness of Washington's character, and his 
military genius is well known, and need not be repeated 
here. The estimate of another English historian may be 
quoted: 

"Washington had commanded the Virginia militia 
with great success in the wars against the French, and 
had attained to the rank of Colonel. The success of the 
American Revolution was mainly due to his appoint- 
ment to the chief command. Only a man of his skill, 
firmness, patience and judgment, could overcome the 
jealousies of the various States, the want of discipline of 
the soldiers, the lack of money and stores, all of which, 
on several occasions, threatened the collapse of the revolt. 
He was always hopeful in the greatest difficulties, and 
cautious in every undertaking. He w r as known, besides, 
as a man of the highest integrity, whose truth and honor 
were never called in question." 

There is no need to dwell on the details of Washing- 
ton's life during the years of retirement after the Revo- 
lution. It w r as the life of a country gentleman. Being 
a man of large business interests, he was fully occupied 
with the care of his property. On horseback, he made 
the rounds of his plantations, superintending the work of 
tree-planting, gardening, harvesting, and other employ- 
ments connected with crops. He embarked in enter- 
prises for the public good, such as the improvement of 
navigation in the James and Potomac rivers. Occasion- 
ally he rode with hounds, fox-hunting. 

There was a constant stream of visitors to Mount Ver- 
non, and he was solicitous for their comfort and happi- 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



8i 



ness. It was rare for him to dine alone with Mrs. Wash- 
ington. Dinner was never kept more than five minutes 
for expected guests; that delay he allowed because of 
difference in timepieces. He was plain and abstemi- 
ous in his habits of eating, and drinking. Though usu- 




Washingfon and Family at Mt. Vernon. 

ally grave in the presence of strangers, he could unbend, 
and be genial in the company of intimate friends. 

Those who met him in these years say he was more 
cheerful than he was during the war. Washington, was 
easy, affable, and dignified in conversation. He was a 
busy man when at home, having a voluminous correspon- 
dence, yet he was indulgent in granting sittings to por- 
trait-painters, and sculptors. 



&2 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

As was the custom in those times on the plantations 
of Virginia, George Washington kept slaves. There 
were two or three hundred negroes living on his various 
estates, and he looked carefully after their wants and 
health. He was not indifferent to their condition, being 
an uuusally kind master. As years went by he became 
more and more convinced of the wrong of slavery, and 
resolved never to obtain another bondsman by purchase— 
"it being among my first wishes," he wrote in 1786, "to 
see some plan adopted, by which slavery in this country 
may be abolished by law." In his will he provided for 
the release of all his slaves. 

Washington, it may be said, was a genuinely religious 
man during all his public life. He regularly observed 
Lord's Day by attendance on divine services at Pohick 
Church, of which he was a vestryman for a number of 
years. He was a valued member of this church, which 
was situated five miles from Mount Vernon; his pew is 
still pointed out to sight-seers. 

Washington was a friend, too, of education, and left a 
bequest for the founding of a National University in the 
District of Columbia. His wish was never carried out 
according to the terms of his will. One of the weighti- 
est utterances of his Farewell Address lays stress on the 
value of "institutions for the general diffusion of knowl- 
edge." 

The years following the Revolution to the establish- 
ment of the Union in 1789 have been called "the critical 
period of American history," because there was then no 
general government with sovereign powers in this coun- 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 83 

try, but a confederacy of thirteen republics. Some sort 
of working system of government was provided for by 
the Articles of Confederation, but it proved to be defect- 
ive and unsatisfactory. Meanwhile, plans for a national 
constitution were discussed, and a convention of dele- 
gates from the different States met in Philadelphia to 
frame one. 

Washington, as one of the delegates from Virginia, 
attended the first meeting of the Federal Convention 
in May, 1787; and the first act of this assembly of 
fifty-five men, the ablest and foremost citizens of the 
land, was to choose him as President of the Convention. 
Their deliberations were secret and lasted several months. 
The instrument that they produced, while not perfect, 
was a masterpiece of statesmanship. It was at once sub- 
mitted to Congress, which referred it to the State Legis- 
latures to be ratified or rejected. Nearly a year passed 
before its acceptance by a majority of the States. 

After much opposition the new National Constitution 
went into effect as the basis of our Government. The 
authors of the "Federalist," Madison, Hamilton, and Jay, 
did much to make the contents of the Constitution 
known and acceptable to the people. Washington, with 
his pen and voice, urged its adoption, for he saw in it a 
remedy for the ills from which the colonies suffered dur- 
ing the Revolution. He had learned from experience 
the weakness of the Continental Congress, which could 
only advise. He appreciated, as few others did then, 
the advantage of having a strong central government. 
He held that (< an indissoluble union of all the States un- 



84 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

der one federal head" was essential for their stability and 
well-being. His influence was far-reaching and decisive. 

He spoke little, but 



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his words counted, 
and the effect of his 
letters on public opin- 
ion can scarcely be 
over-estimated. Oth- 
er prominent men of 
the States held the 
same views and con- 
tributed to the re- 
sult. 

At the first Presi- 
dential Election (Jan- 
uary 7, 1 7S9*, George 
Wa shington was 
unanimously elected 
President of the Unit- 
ed States. Years be- 
fore he had indig- 
nantly rejected the 
idea of being King 
of the western mon- 
archy, suggested to 
him in 1782, but he 
yielded to the mani- 
fest will of the people 
to become the chief executive of a republic. His jour- 
ney to New York in April was a triumphal progress. 





Washington's Reception at Trenton when on the 

way to his Inauguration as Pirsl President, 1789. 

One of the Panels of the Bronze Door of the 

Senate, ( Japitol, Washington. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 85 

Here the ceremonies of the first inauguration took place 
(April 30); John Adams, the second choice of the Elec- 
toral College for president, became vice-president 

In a sense it may be said that Washington's first Ad- 
ministration marks a turning point of our political his- 
tory, the beginning of our national life. First the colon- 
ies had become states; then the states became parts of a 
confederacy; now they were welded together in one unit- 
ed whole. The new government was to be administered 
according to the provisions laid down in the constitution 
recently framed and adopted. It was an experiment, and 
many were in doubt as to its chances of success. Time has 
demonstrated the wisdom of the founders of our nation. 
The citizen of to-day owes a debt of gratitude not only 
to the patriots who won independence, but to the states- 
men who elaborated a successful working plan for the 
operations of the new republican government. 

Washington entered upon the duties of his high office 
with diffidence, but w r ith the determination faithfully to 
meet the obligations resting upon him. To one of his 
friends he wrote: "A combination of circumstances and 
events seems to have rendered my embarking again on 
the ocean of public affairs inevitable. How opposite this 
is to my own desires and inclinations, I need not say." 

In his Inaugural Address he disclaimed having anv de- 
sire for pecuniary emoluments, and asked that he should 
receive no compensation beyond "actual expenditures as 
the public good may be thought to require." Four years 
later congress fixed the payment of twenty-five thousand 
dollars per annum as the salary of the president for his 



86 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



second term of office. No change was made in the 
running of the executive departments of the govern- 
ment until Sep- 
tember, 1789. 
Then Thomas 
Jefferson was 
appointed Sec- 
retary of State. 
General Henry 
Knox contin- 
ued to act as 
Secretary of 
War. Alexan- 
der Hamilton 
became Secreta- 
I ry of the Treas- 
' v * ■ ' * ' ^bMm|S nry. Edmund 

Randolph was 
appointed At- 
torney-General; 
and Samuel Os- 
good, Postmas- 
ter-General. 

At this time 
there was only 
one political 
party in the 
United States, the Federalist party. There were, how- 
ever, two rival political camps. One set of theorists stood 
for a strong centralized government, and the other for 




First Inauguration of Washington, 1789. 

One of the Panels of the Bronze Door to the Senate, 

Capitol, Washington, D. C 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 87 

individual and State rights. In the Federalist party the 
dominant idea was that the Nation is paramount, the 
State subordinate. The logical outcome of Federalist 
doctrine is a paternal government. It means a larger 
measure of power in the hands of the executive, exercised 
for the common good, and at times the sacrifice of indi- 
vidual and local interests for the sake of society and the 
maintenance of the body politic. The leaders of the Fed- 
eralist party were Washington and Hamilton. 

As years went by the old Republican party came into 
being. It represented the opposite position or tendency: 
the liberty and importance of the individual and the sov- 
ereign rights of the States; the province of the general 
government is to carry out the people's will. Its position 
was substantially that of the Democratic party of later 
times and its leaders were Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. 

Alexander Hamilton was the one great statesman of 
this period, and had more to do than any other man in 
organizing the new government. He tried to obviate the 
evils resulting from the lack of federal authority and ad- 
vocated a strong national government. As the first Sec- 
retary of the Treasury he put the finances of the country 
on a sound footing, restoring confidence at home and 
abroad. He has been justly called "the founder of the 
U. S. Bank and restorer of public credit." He so adjusted 
the scale of duties on imported articles that a sufficient 
revenue was secured for the expenses of the government. 
He found the condition of the United States truly deplor- 
able — chaos, internal strife, business prostration, and pov- 
erty on every hand, He recommended a protective tar- 



88 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

iff that relieved financial distress, stimulated industry, and 
promoted prosperity. He believed in fostering home 
manufactures. Withal he was eminently practical. It 
is, perhaps, not too much to say that no other statesman, 
not even Clay or Webster, ever did so much for our coun- 
try. 

In striking contrast with the views of Hamilton was 
the political policy of Jefferson, who favored popular sov- 
ereignty, universal suffrage, democratic simplicity, and 
the education of the common people. While he was a 
member of Washington's Cabinet, he was constantly pit- 
ted against Hamilton. The two men could not agree, 
and the president had a hard time of it to keep the peace 
between them. As their ideas could not be harmonized, 
Jefferson finally resigned the position of Secretary of 
State (December 31, 1793). 

During these years two more States were admitted in- 
to the Union— Vermont and Kentucky. The second 
Presidential Election resulted in the unanimous choice 
of Washington for President. There was no other Amer- 
ican who stood so high in popular estimation. Under 
his administration our country had grown in wealth and 
in the esteem of foreign powers. He had met the re- 
quirements of his exalted station with unfailing good 
sense and with dignity. He had shown profound judg- 
ment in avoiding entanglements with the affairs of Euro- 
pean nations. It seemed to him the part of wisdom to 
hold aloof and not intermeddle during the French Revo- 
lution. This neutral course he maintained in his second 
term of office, and in his Farewell Address (September, 



GE< )RGE WASHINGTON, 



89 



1796), he re-stated his*policy of non-interference, an in- 
valuable legacy of advice that Americans may yet pon- 
der well and safely follow. Washington's non-imperial- 
istic ideas have not become antiquated. His observa- 
tions on our foreign relations have more than a tempor- 
ary application. 

Refusing a third election, Washington relinquished 




Tomb of Washington at Mt. Vernon, Va. 



his position as the Executive of the Republic, and re- 
turned to Mount Vernon to spend his remaining days in 
peace and retirement, amid the plaudits and affectionate 
demonstrations of an admiring people. Again he dis- 
pensed liberal hospitality at his home and occupied him- 



go GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

self with rural pursuits, not neglecting matters of public 
welfare. 

He was once more called upon to accept office. When 
our nation bristled up with martial spirit at the insult to 
our honor from France, he was again appointed Com- 
mander of the armies to defend the United States. The 
war-cloud happily blew over, and his short term of mili- 
tary service ended. His was the type of Americanism 
that he was ready to defend with the sword. 

Again Washington was free to devote himself to the 
management of his farms, and lived the active, out-of- 
door life of a farmer to the last. On December 12, 
1799, he was in his saddle and made his accustomed 
rounds in falling snow, hail and rain. A severe cold 
resulted from this exposure. He neglected to apply rem- 
edies at first, saying it could go as it came. Later it de- 
veloped into an attack of quinsy, from which he died in 
the evening of December 14. He passed away in peace, 
at the age of sixty seven, leaving to his countrymen the 
precious memory of his deeds and words — an indestruct- 
ible heritage. He was buried at Mount Vernon, to "the 
mourning of a mighty nation." "His tomb is the Mecca 
of America." 




GEORGE WASHINGTON. 91 







ANECDOTES, CHARACTERISTICS AND TRIRUTES TO 
WASHINGTON. 

THE BIRTHDAY OF WASHINGTON. 

The birthday of the "Father of his Country"! May it 
ever be freshly remembered by American hearts! May 
it ever reawaken in them a filial veneration for his mem- 
ory; ever rekindle the fires of patriotic regard to the coun- 
try which he loved so well; to which he gave his youth- 
ful vigor, and his youthful energy during the perilous 
period of the early Indian warfare; to which he devoted 
his life, in the maturity of his powers, in the field; to 
which again he offered the counsels of his wisdom and 
his experience as president of the convention; which he 
guided and directed while in the chair of state, and for 
which the last prayer of his earthly supplication was 
offered up when it came the moment for him so well, and 
so grandly, and so calmly to die! He was the first man 
of the time in which he grew. His memory is first and 
most sacred in our love; and ever hereafter, till the last 
drop of blood shall freeze in the last American heart, his 
name shall be a spell of power and might. — Rufus Choate. 

THE VALUE OF WASHINGTON. 

The value of Washington to his country transcends 



92 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



that of any other man to any land. Take him from the 
Revolution, and all the fervor of the Sons of Liberty 
would seem to have been a wasted flame. Take him 
from the constitutional epoch, and the essential condition 




Greenough's Statue of Washington, Washington. D. C. 

The Inscriptions are from Henry Lee's Oration on the death of Washington, 

delivered before both Houses of Congress, Dec. 16, 179'J. 

of union, personal confidence in a leader, would have 
been wanting. 

Franklin, when the work of the constitutional con- 
vention was completed, said that until then he had 
not been sure whether the sun depicted above the 
president's chair was a rising or a setting sun, but 
now his doubt was solved. Yet it was not the symbolic 
figure above the chair, it was the man within it, which 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 93 

should have forecast the great result to that sagacious 
mind. 

From the moment that independence was secured, no 
man in America saw more clearly the necessity of na- 
tional union, or defined more wisely and distinctly the 
reasons for it. He is the chief illustration in a popular 
government of a great leader who. was not also a great 
orator. 

Perhaps that fact gave a solid force to his influence 
by depriving all his expressions of a rhetorical char- 
acter, and preserving in them throughout a simplicity 
and moderation which deepened the impression of his 
comprehensive sagacity. He was felt as both an inspir- 
ing and a sustaining power in the preliminary movement 
for union, and by natural selection he was both president 
of the convention and the head of the government which 
ft instituted. — George William Curtis. 

THE MAJESTIC EMINENCE OE WASHINGTON. 

"Westward the course of empire takes its way; 

The first four acts already past, 
A fifth shall close the drama with the day, 

Time's noblest offspring is the last," 

As the human race has moved along down the centur- 
ies the vigorous and ambitious, the dissenters from blind 
obedience and the original thinkers, the colonists and 
state-builders have broken camp with the morning and 
followed the sun until the close of day. They have tar- 
ried for ages in fertile valleys and beside great streams; 
they have been retarded by barriers of mountains and 
seas beyond their present resources to overcome; but as 



94 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

the family grew into the tribe, the tribe into the nation, 
and equal authority into the despotism of courts and 
creeds those who possessed the indomitable and uncon- 
querable spirit of freedom have seen the promise flashed 
from the clouds in the glorious rays of the sinking orb of 
day, and first with despair and courage, and then with 
courage and hope, and lastly with faith and prayer, they 
have marched westward. 

In the purification and trials of wandering and settle- 
ment they have left # behind narrow and degrading laws, 
traditions, customs, and castes, and now, as the Occident 
faces the orient across the Pacific, and the globe is cir- 
cled, at the last stop and in their permanent home, the 
individual is the basis of government and all men are 
equal before the law. The glorious example of the tri- 
umphant success of the people governing themselves fans 
the feeble spirit of the effete and exhausted Asiatic with 
the possibilities of the replanting of the garden of Eden 
and of the restoration of the historic grandeur of the 
birthplace of mankind. It is putting behind every bay- 
onet which is carried at the order of Bismarck or the czar, 
men who, in doing their own thinking, will one day de- 
cide for themselves the problems of peace and war. It 
will penetrate the breeding-places of anarchy and social- 
ism, and cleanse and purify them. 

The scenes of the fifth act of the grand drama are 
changing, with the world as its stage and all races and 
tongues the audience. And yet, as it culminates in pow- 
er and grandeur and absorbing interest, the attention re- 
mains riveted upon one majestic character. He stands 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. g 5 

the noblest leader who was ever intrusted with his coun- 
try's life. His patience under provocation, his calmness 
in danger and lofty courage when all others despaired, 
his prudent delays when the Continental Congress was 
imperative and the staff almost insubordinate, and his 
quick and resistless blows when action was possible, his 
magnanimity to his defamers and generosity to his foes, 
his ambition for his country and unselfishness for him- 
self, his sole desire the freedom and independence for 
America, and his only wish to return after victory to pri- 
vate life and the peaceful pursuits and pleasures of home, 
have all combined to make him, by the unanimous judg- 
ment of the world, the foremost figure in history. Not 
so abnormally developed in any direction as to be called 
a genius, yet he was the strongest because the best bal- 
anced, the fullest rounded, the most even and most self- 
masterful of men — the incarnation of common sense and 
moral purity, of action and repose. 

The republic will live so long as it reveres the memo- 
ry and emulates the virtues of George Washington. — 
Chauncey M. Depew. 

BYRON'S TRIBUTES TO WASHINGTON. 

Mr. Gladstone was not the only great Englishman who 
had given Washington the first place in history for purity 
of character and elevation of aim in war and statesman- 
ship. Byron pays homage to Washington repeatedly in 
his poems, and wrote of him in his diary that "To be the 
first man {not the Dictator), not the Scylla, but the 
Washington, or Aristides, the leader in talent and truth, 



96 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

is to be next to the Divinity." The last stanza in his 
u Ode to Napoleon Bonaparte" is the following well 
known tribute: 

"Where may the wearied eye repose 

When gazing on the Great, 
Where neither guilty glory glows, 

Nor despicable state? 
Yes, one— the first — the last the best — 
The Cincinnatus of the West, 

Whom envy dare not hate, 
Bequeath the name of Washington, 
To make man 1)1 ush there was but one!" 

In the fourth canto of "Childe Harold" occurs the fol- 
lowing: 

"Can tyrants but by tyrants conquered be, 
And Freedom find no champion and no child, 

Such as Columbia saw arise when she , 

Sprung forth a Pallas, armed and undefiled? 
Or must such minds be nourished in the wild, 
Deep in the unpruned forest, 'midst the roar 

Of cataracts, where nursing Nature smiled 
On infant Washington? Has earth no more 
Such seeds within her breast, or Europe no such store?" 

In "The Age of Bronze" is the following couplet: 

"While Washington's a watchward such as ne'er 
Shall sink while there's an echo left to air." 

Byron calls all wars murder, except those for freedom, 
and contrasts the ambitions conqnerer with the patriot in 
"Don Juan," Canto VIII, 5: 

"Not so Leonidas and Washington, 
Whose every battle-field is holy ground, 

Which breathes of Nations saved, not world's undone, 
How sweetly on the ear such echoes sound! 

While the mere victor's may appal or stun 
The servile and the vain, such names will be 
A watchword till the future shall be free." 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 97 

In Canto IX of "Don Juan" is another allusion; 

"George Washington had thanks, and naught beside, 
Except the all-cloudless glory (which few men's is) 
To free his country." 

OPINIONS OF WASHINGTON. 

"This great man fought against tyranny; he established 
the liberty of his country. His memory will always be 
dear to the French people, as it will be to all freemen of 
the two worlds." — Napoleon Bonaparte, February 9,1800. 

"He did the two greatest things which, in politics, man 
can have the privilege of attempting. He maintained, by 
peace, that independence of his country which he had ac- 
quired by w 7 ar. He founded a free government in the 
name of the principles of order, and by reestablishing 
their sway." — M. Guizot. 

"I have often been told by Col. Ben Temple, of King 
Williams county, Virginia, who was one of his aids in the 
French and Indian wars .... that, on sudden 
and unexpected visits into his marquee, he has more than 
once found Washington on his knees at his devotions." 
— Rev. C. L. We ems, 1808. 

"The commander-in-chief of the American armies was 
observed (at Valley Forge) constantly to retire for the 
purpose of secret devotion. The Father of his Country 
went alone, and sought strength and guidance from the 
God of armies, and of light. The independence of our 
country was laid, not only in valor, patriotism and wis- 
dom, but in prayer." — Albert Barnes, D. D. 

"On Sundays, unless the weather was uncommonly 
severe, the President and Mrs. Washington attended di- 



9 8 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



vine service at Christ Church (Philadelphia), and in the 
evenings the president read to Mrs. Washington in her 
chamber a sermon, or .some portion from the sacred writ- 
ings. No vis- 
itors, w i t h 
the exception 
of Mr, Speak- 
er Trumbull, 
were admit- 
ted on Sun- 
days." — Geo, 
W. P. Custis. 
Said Wash- 
ington's mo- 
ther of her 
son: "I am 
not surprised 
at what 
George has 
done, for he 
was always a 
good boy." 

Washing- 
ton served us 

Washington T^iying the Corner Stone of the Capitol, Sept. 18, J J 

L793. oik.- of the Panels on the Bronze Door of the sublime llior- 

Senate, Washington. 

al qualities. 
To him belonged the proud distinction of being 
the leader in a revolution, without awakening one doubt 
or solicitude, as to the spotless purity of his purpose. 




GEORGE WASHINGTON. 99 

His was the glory of being the brightest manifestation 
of the spirit which reigned in this country, and in this 
way he became a source of energy, a bond of 
union, the center of an enlightened people's confidence. 

By an instinct which is unerring, we call Washington, 
with grateful reverence, the Fath- 
er of his Country, but not its Sa- 
vior. A people which wants a 
savior, which does not possess an 
earnest, and pledge of freedom in 
its own heart, is not yet ready to 
be free. — William E. Channing. 

An Indian's testimony: 

"The Pale Faces came, and 
they said, 'you fought with us, you 

i r r •*_ i -i , . Benjamin Rush, a Signer of the 

Have IOrteited your right to this Declaration of Independence. 

land and must go away,' but General Washington said, 
'Come back, and remain in your land, and make your 
homes with us.' Then the prophet said, 'The white 
men are bad, and cannot dwell in the region of the Great 
Spirit, except General Washington.' "—Peter Wilson, a 
native Iroquois, before the New York Historical Socie- 
ty, 1847. 

GIST'S ACCOUNT OF WASHINGTON'S ESCAPE FROM THE 

INDIANS. 

"We rose early in the morning, and set out about two 
o'clock, and got to the Murdering Town on the southeast 
fork of Beaver Creek. Here we met with an Indian, 
whom I thought I had seen at Joncaire's, at Venango, 




ioo GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

when on our journey up to the French fort. This fellow 
called me by my Indian name, and pretended to be glad 
to see me. He asked us several questions, as, how we 
came to travel on foot, when we left Venango, where we 
parted with our horses, and when they would be there. 
Major Washington insisted on travelling by the nearest 
way to the Forks of the Alleghany. 

"We asked the Indian if he could go with us, and show 
us the nearest way. The Indian seemed very glad, and 
ready to go with us; upon which we set out, and the In- 
dian took the Major's pack. We travelled very brisk 
for eight or ten miles, when the Major's feet grew very 
sore, and he very weary, and the Indian steered too 
much northeastwardly. 

"The Major desired to encamp; upon which the Indian 
asked to carry his gun, but he refused; and then the In- 
dian grew churlish, and pressed us to keep on, telling us 
there were Ottawa Indians in those woods, and they 
would scalp us, if we lay out; but go to his cabin, and 
we should be safe. 

"I thought very ill of the fellow, but did not care to 
let the Major knew I mistrusted him. But he soon mis- 
trusted him as much as I did. The" Indian said he could 
hear a eun from his cabin, and steered us more north- 
wardly. We grew uneasy, and then he said two whoops 
might be heard from his cabin. We went two miles 
further. Then the Major said he would stay at the next 
water; but, before we came to water, we came to a 
clear meadow. It was very light, and snow was on the 
ground. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 101 

The Indian made a stop, and turned about. The Major 
saw him point his gun towards us, and he fired. Said 
the Major, 'Are you shot?' 

" 'No,' said I; upon which the Indian ran forward 
to a big stand- 
ing white oak, 
and began load- 
ing his gun, but 
we were soon 
with him. I 
would have 
killed him, but 
the Major would 
not suffer me. 
We " let h i m 
charge his gun. 
We found he 
put in a ball; 
then we took 
care of him. 
Either the Ma- 
jor or I always 
stood by the 
guns. W T emade 
him make a fire for us by a little run, as if we intended 
to sleep there. 

u Isaid to the Major/As you will not have him killed, we 
must get him away, and then we must travel all night;' 
upon which I said to the Indian, 'I suppose you were 
lost, and fired your gun.' He said he knew the way to 



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Statue of Washington (first at right). Statuary Hall, 
Old House of Representatives. Washington, B.C. 



io2 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

his cabin, and it was but a little way. 'Well,' said I. 
'do yon go home; and, as we are tired, we will follow 
your track in the morning, and here is a cake of bread 
for you, and you must give us meat in the morning.' 

"He was glad to get away. I followed him, and list- 
ened, until he was fairly out of the way; and then we 
went about half a mile, when we made a fire, set our 
compass, fixed our course, and travelled all night. In the 
morning we were on the head of Piny Creek. 11 



THE STORY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

FOR A SCHOOL OR CLUB PROGRAMME. 

Each numbered paragraph is to be given to a pupil or 
member to read, or to recite, in a clear, distinct tone. 

If the school or club is small, each person may take 
three or four paragraphs, but should not be required to 
recite them in succession. 

i. George Washington was born at Pope's Creek, near Bridge's 

Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia, February 22, 1732. 

2. His family was of ancient English descent, William De Hert- 
burn, a Norman Knight, was the ancestor of the Washingtons. 

3" His name was changed with a change of estate to that of De- 
Wessyngton. Later members of the family bore the names of Wash- 
ington and Weschington, which in course of time was transformed into 
\\ ashington. 

4. At the head of one of the branches of the family was John 
Washington of Warton, in Lancashire, whose son, Lawrence Wash- 
ington was for some years Mayor of Northampton. 

5. One of the descendants of Lawrence Washington was Sir Wil- 
liam Washington who fought loyally for King Charles the First, in the 
Civil War. 



T H £ 

JOURNAL 

F 

Major George IVafhtngton^ 

SENT BY THE 

Hon. ROBERT DINWIDDIE, Efq* 
Hit Majefty's Lieutenant-Governor, and 
Commander in Chief of VIRGIN IA % 

TO T H S 

COMMANDANT 

O P T H 1 

FRENCH FORCES 

ON 

OHIO. 

To WHICH ARS ADD*©, TWt 

GOVERNORS LETTER, 

Aw> ATRANSLATIONor ths 
Frikcm OFFICER'S ANSWER 



W I L h 1 A MS BVRGi 
Printedby WILLIAM HUNTER. 1754 

Reduced Fac-Simile of the Title Page of Washington's Journal. 



104 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

6. His son, Sir Henry Washington, foughl with great gallantry 
under Prince Rupert, and" held the city of Worcester against the Par- 
liamentary Army until ordered by the king whom he was serving, to 

surrender. 

7. Many of the royalists were afterwards compelled to flee to 
America from the wrath of Cromwell. They found congenial homes 
in "the loyal colony" of Virginia. 

8. Among these were John and Andrew Washington, uncles of 
the gallant Sir Henry, and great grandsons of LawrenceWashington. 

q. They reached Virginia in 1637, and "purchasing land 'in the 
northern neck,' between the Potomac and the Rappahannock rivers." 

10. John Washington became an extensive planter in Westmore- 
land County, and marrying Miss Anne Pope, fcruilt him a residence at 
Pope's Creek. He became in due course of time a County Magistrate, 
and a member of the House of Burgesses. 

11. He distinguished himself also, as a colonel of the Virginia 
forces in driving off a band of Seneca Indians who were ravaging the 
neighboring settlements. In honor of his public and private charac- 
ter, the parish in which he resided was called Washington." 

12. In 1694 Augustine Washington, the grandson of Colonel John 
Washington was born. He was a man of uncommon height and no- 
ble appearance. He was possessed of wonderful muscular powers, 
and of a strong, earnest character. 

13. Augustine Washington was twice married. By his first wife 
he had four children. Two of them died young, but two sons, Lau- 
rence and Augustine, survived their mother who died in 1728. 

14. He married for his second wife on March 6, 1730, Mary Ball, 
the daughter of Colonel Ball, a young and beautiful girl, known as "the 
belle of Northern Neck." 

15. George Washington was her first child. Few sons ever had 
a more lovely and devoted mother, and no mother a more dutiful and 
affectionate son." 

16. The direct influence of this gifted Christian mother upon the 
life of George cannot be overestimated. To her we owe the precepts 
and example that governed his whole career. We cannot wonder that 
with such an ancestry behind him, and with such a mother to guide 

him, Washington became one of the foremost men of the world. 

17. When George was seven years of age, his father removed 
to an estate in Stafford County, opposite the town of Fredericksburg. 

18. Augustine Washington was not able to give all of his son> 
the advantages of education, enjoyed by Laurence the oldest. He 
being sent to England at the age of lift een to complete his studies, and 
returned at the age tweiitx three to take his place as the head of the 
f milv. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 105 

19. George was educated at a country school by Hobby, the 
sexton of the parish, who was his teacher. His education was of the 
simplest character. He was taught reading, writing and arithmetic, 
with a little geometry and surveying. 

20. The letters of his brother Laurence fired his soul with stir- 
ring descriptions of the martial scenes, he was witnessing. These let- 
ters awoke the military spirit in the boy, who made soldiers of his 
schoolmates, and as their commander-in-chief conducted their mimic 
parades, reviews and sham fights. 

21. The father of George died on April 12, 1743, when the box- 
was but eleven years of age. Soon after his father's death he was 
sent to reside with his "elder half-brother Augustine, to whom the 
Westmoreland estate had been left. Here George attended an acad- 
emy kept by a Mr. Williams, who gave him a plain and practical 
education to fit him for the ordinary business of life. 

22. All his school-boy manuscripts bear witness of industry and 
order. He took extreme care in cultivating a neat, clear and elegant 
handwriting. 

23. He was noted for his truthfulness, his courage and his gen- 
erosity, and for his proficiency in athletic exercises." Running, leap- 
ing and wrestling were among his favorite pastimes. He was a fear- 
less rider and a good hunter. 

24. At the age of fourteen his brother Laurence obtained for 
George a midshipman's warrant. But when he was just about to en- 
ter the English naval service, the earnest remonstrance of his mother 
prevailed, and he reluctantly abandoned the project. 

25. A month after he was sixteen, he became a surveyor of lands 
belonging to Lord Fairfax. In the discharge of his duties he en- 
countered many hardships and personal dangers, which he met .with 
fortitude and cheerfulness. 

26. "At the age of nineteen he was appointed Adjutant General, 
with the rank of Major, to inspect and exercise the militia in one of 
the districts in which Virginia was divided." He proved himself 
thoroughly efficient in this post of duty. 

27. In 1753 he was sent on a delicate and dangerous mission by 
Governor Dinwiddie. He was to travel on a journey of nearly 600 
miles— "a great part of it over lofty and rugged mountains, and 
through the heart of a wilderness." 

28. He was to ascertain from the officer commanding the French 
forces on the banks of the Ohio, by what authority he was invading 
the King's dominions. 

29. A volume could be written of the great perils and the mar- 
velous and providential escapes from treachery, assassination, vio- 
lence of savages, cold and drowning, which marked this eventful ex- 
pedition. 



io6 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



30. The varied talents and striking characteristics Washington 
displayed, made him on his return, as Irving says, "the rising hope of 
Virginia." 

31. Soon after his return, he was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel 
of a regiment of which Joshua Fry was Colonel. Upon the sudden 
death of Colonel Fry the expedition designed against the French de- 
volved upon the young Lieutenant-Colonel. Although the expedi- 
tion was unsuccessful, Washington received the thanks of the Gener- 
al Assembly of Virginia. 




St. Peters Church, where Washington was Married. 

32. He accompanied General Braddock on his ill-fated cam- 
paign, behaving "with the greatest courage and resolution." 

33. The Rev. Samuel Davis in a sermon to one of the military 
companies, afterwards organized, used these prophetic words: "I may 
point out to the public that heroic youth, Colonel Washington, whom 
I cannot but hope, providence has hitherto preserved in so signal a 
manner, for some important service to his country." 

34. Having been appointed in 1756 to the chief command of a 
force of 2,000 men, he was engaged in the arduous work of protecting 
the Virginia frontier. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



107 



35. On November 25, 1758, he planted the British flag on the 
smoking ruins of Fort Duquesne, which was to be known henceforth 
as Fort Pitt. 

36. On Jan 6, 1759, he married a charming young widow, Martha 
Custis, daughter of Mr. John Dandridge. She is known in history as 
Martha Washington. 

37. He now resigned his commission as a colonial officer, and at- 
tended the Virginia House of Burgesses, to which he had been elect- 
ed while absent on his last campaign. 

38. As soon as he made 
his appearance, the speaker 
in accordance with a previ- 
ous vote of the Assembly, 
presented th^r thanks in 
the name of tne colony, for 
his distinguished military ser- 
vices. He also gave expres- 
sion to words of compliment 
and praise. 

39. Washington was so 
embarrassed that he could 
not utter a single sentence 
in reply. The speaker with 
great address said, "Sit down, 
Mr. Washington, your mod- 
esty equals your valor, and 
that surpasses the power of 
any language I possess." 

40. He spent nearly fifteen years in the quiet of his peaceful and 
happy home, engaged in agricultural pursuits and performing many 
acts of kindness for his friends. 

41. Then at the age of forty three years, he was called to begin 
his career of honor and glory, and render those inestimable services 
to his country, and to mankind, which have made his name immortal. 

42. He was elected delegate to the first Continental Congress 
which met at Philadelphia, in 1774, and took an important part in its 
memorable discussions. 

43. "When Patrick Henry returned home from the meeting and 
was asked whom he considered the greatest man in that Congress, he 
replied, 

44. "If you speak of eloquence, Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina, 
is by far the greatest orator; but if you speak of solid information, and 
sound judgment, Col. Washington is unquestionably the greatest man 
on that floor." 

45. He was a delegate to the second Continental Congress May 10, 




Washington's Camp Chest, now in the 
National Museum, Washington. 



k»S GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

1775, and through the efforts of Samuel and John Adams, and others, 
he was unanimously elected ' Commander-in-chief of all the Conti- 
nental forces. 

46 On July 2, 1775, he established his headquarters in the build- 
ing al Cambridge, Mass., since known as the residence of the poet 
Longfellow. 

47. On the next day he took formal command of the army draw- 
ing his sword under an ancient tree known as Washington's elm 

48. 1U' drove the British from Boston on March 17. 1775, for 
which signal service, Congress voted him a splendid gold medal now 
preserved in the Boston Public Library. 

40. Then followed the disastrous battle of Long Island and 
Washington's masterly retreat through New fersey. 

50 Then with heroic fortitude, with unwavering confidence and 
unsparing self-devotion, he continued to lead the American cause in 
the face of almost insurmountable obstacles. 

51. Monmouth, Brandywine, Germantown and Valley Forge tell 
the thrilling and fascinating story of his glorious deeds, which were con- 
summated in the supreme triumph at Yorktown on the nineteenth 
day ol October, 1781. 

52. Two years afterwards the Treaty of Peace was signed and 
th< w.irwitli England was ended, a war which Washington so much 
deplored at first, and which he strove so earnestly to avert. 

53. With the ending of the war came the question of the pay- 
ment of the soldiers which had been delayed by Congress. 

54. Quite a number of the officers "began to distrust the effi- 
ciency of the government and of all republican institutions. One of 
them, a Colonel of the army, of a highly respected character, and 
somewhat advanced in life," sharing these sentiments, presented them 
to Washington and suggested for him the title of King. 

55. Washington made a reply from Newburgh on May 22, 1782. 
In it he expressed his "abhorrence" of such a suggestion ana reproved 
the writer with great severity for daring to make it." 

56. When the representatives of the army met afterwards at 
Newburgh to* rouse the soldiers to resentment against the inaction of 
Congress, Washington appeared at the gathering. 

57. After apologizing lor his coming, and begging the indulgence 
of those present, he paused to put on his spectacles. In doing so he 
said casualb but very touchingly: 

58. "1 have grown gray in the service of my country and am 
now growing blind." 

59. The dignified and yet most forcible addresses which he de- 
livered, regarding the supreme loyalt) that was due from all to the 
country, so won over those present, that they concurred entirely in the 
policy he had proposed. 




,;,;:i,a.::, , i,;.ii;ffl.'BiM 



no 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



60. On April 19, 1783, the anniversary of the battle of Lexing- 
ton, Washington announced the proclamation for the cessation of hos 
tilities which had been issued by Congress. 

61. In his general orders he said, "The chaplains of the several 
brigades will render thanks to almighty God for all his mercies, par- 
ticularly for his overruling the wrath of man to his own glory, and 

causing the rage of war to cease among the na- 
tions." 

62. He took a final leave of the army Novem- 
ber 2, 1783, by general orders, and had an affection- 
ate farewell interview with .his principal officers 
on December 4. On December 23 in that year he 
resigned his commission to Congress then assem- 
bled in Annapolis, Maryland. 

63. He then retired to private life at the "age 
of fifty-two, to resume his fayorite occupations of 
farmer and planter at Mount Vernon. 

64. Frederick the Great, some years after 
this, sent him a portrait of himself accompanied 
with the remarkable words. "From the oldest Gen- 
eral in Europe to the greatest General in the 
world." 

65. But Washington was not to be permitted 
thus to live a secluded life. The country which 
seemed, in his own words, to be "fast verging to- 
wards anarchy and confusion," through its inade- 
quate government, needed his services. 

66. He went as the head of the Virginia dele- 
gates to the convention in Philadelphia on May 
14, 1787, and of that famous historical body he was 
elected President. 

67. On April 6,1789, in the presence of the two 
Houses, Washington, having received every vote 
from the ten states that took part in the election, 
was declared President of the United States. 

68. On April 30, 1789, he was inaugurated 
President in New York city, the oath of office be- 
ing administered by Robert R. Livingston, Chancellor of the State 
of New York, on a balcony in front of the Senate Chamber, in the 
presence of an immense multitude. 

69. After delivering his inaugural address, the whole assemblage 
headed by the President, proceeded on foot to St. Paul's Church, 
where appropriate religious services were held by the Rt. Rev. Dr. 
Prevost, the Episcopal Bishop of New York. 

70. The President and his family always strictly observed the 




Washington's 

Sword and stair. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. Ill 

Sabbath. They attended church in the morning and passed the af- 
ternoon in retirement. 

71. On the 25th of August, 1789, the mother of Washington end- 
ed her long and useful life. When the sad intelligence was commun- 
icated to him, although it was not unexpected, he was deeply moved 
by it. 

72. The Cabinet of Washington was not harmonious, which 
caused the President great concern and trouble. Jefferson and Ham- 
ilton differed seriously in their views. Two parties were formed in 
consequence. Hamilton's party was known as the Federalist, and 
Jefferson's as the Republican. 

73. Washington was glad when his term as President had expired 
and looked with pleasure to a retirement again at Mount Vernon. 
But on the repeated entreaties of his friends, after a long and painful 
hesitation, he consented to be a candidate for re-election. 

74. He received the unanimous vote of the electors, reflecting 
the popular vote, arid entered upon his second term of office on March 
4th, 1793. 

75. He saved the country from a new and most disastrous war 
with Great Britain, which it was its duty as well as its interest to 
avoid, when a new alliance was urged by many with France which had 
declared war against England. 

76. Genet, the Minister of the French Republic, succeeded for a 
while in causing a storm against Washington for his action. The par- 
tisans of Genet traduced the personal motives of Washington, and 
misrepresented and shamefully abused him. But better sentiments 
ultimately prevailed. 

JJ. By the vigorous action of the President, the famous "whisky 
insurrection" in Pennsylvania came to an end in 1792. 

78. The treaty with Great Britain obtained by John Jay, the for- 
mer Chief Justice, gave great offense to the enemies of the adminis- 
tration. The President and his supporters were fiercely denounced 
for approving it. But it was the best that could be secured, and it 
brought peace for many years to the country at a critical period of its 
history. 

79. On no consideration would Washington yield to the great 
anxiety that he should serve a third term. He issued a Farewell Ad- 
dress to the people of the United States full of wise counsels and ad- 
monitions. 

80. The partisan hostility which had been marked by unsparing 
denunciations of his policy, and by bitter,rancorous hostility, now entire- 
ly ceased. The gratitude of the nation was displayed in an over- 
whelming manifestation. 

81. "Both Houses of Congress adopted replies to the Farewell 
Address, expressing their unshaken confidence in the wisdom and in- 



12 



GEORGE WAS! I IXC, TON. 



Major-General under him, cordial 



tegrity of Washington. During the winter of 1796-97 nearly all the 
State Legislatures adopted similar resolutions." 

82. But the quiet of his life at Mount Vernon was disturbed by 
the prospect of a war with the aggressive French Republic. With 
great reluctance he yielded to the universal desire of the American 
people as voiced by President .Adams, and because the Lieutenant- 
Genera] and Commander-in-chief of all the armies raised or to be 
raised for the defense of the country. 

83. His last publioact was performed on the morning of the 
P2th of December, 1799. He wrote to Hamilton who was the senior 

"ly approving of the establishment 
of a Military Academy, which Ham- 
ilton had submitted to the Secre- 
tary of war. 

84. On the evening of Decem- 
ber 14, 1799, Washington breathed 
his last at Mount Vernon in the 
presence of his wife and some in- 
timate friends. 

85. He died, as Geno 77/ Wash- 
ington, for he was still at the time 
of his demise the Commander-in- 
chief of the American army. 

86. On the 18th of December 
he was laid away to rest at Mount 
Vernon. The news of his death 
was received with expressions of 
profoundest sorrow not only from 
the people of the United States, 
but from those in other lands. 

87. "Napoleon, then first con- 
sul of France, announced the death, 
of Washington to the French army 

and caused the standards of the 

for ten days." 




The Book-Plate of Washing-ton. 



in a masterly order ot the day 
troops to be shrouded in crape 

88. "Lord Bridport, commanding the Channel Fleet of England, 
on receipt of the news, immediately lowered his flag at half mast, and 
his example was followed by every ship in the fleet." 

89. The grandest tributes ever paid to mortal man have been ren- 
dered by England's most illustrious representatives, to the memory of 
Washington, and have been echoed by the most eminent men in ev- 
ery other civilized land. 

90. Bui the proudest tribute of all, is the never-ceasing and ever- 
increasing love, with which Americans,whether native born or adopt- 
ed citizens, cherish for the splendid character and immortal deeds of 
THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 113 

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY. 

The spirit of patriotism should be freely cultivated in the hearts 
of our younger citizens, and one of the best methods of doing this, is 
by the celebration of the birthdays of American Heroes. The historic 
events pertaining to the stirring times wherein our nation was born, 
should be familiar to every child, as well as every man and woman in 
this broad and beautiful land. Washington's birthday is a national 
holiday and should be celebrated in every school aud club. 

We give herewith, a few suggestions to the makers of programmes 
for these occasions. 

PROGRAMME FOR A WASHINGTON AFTERNOON. 

1. Vocal Music — "America." 

2. Essay — "Washington as a Surveyor." (Twenty Minutes.) 

3. General Discussion — "Washington as a General." (Thirty Min- 
utes.) 

4. Instrumental Music — "Yankee Doodle." 

5. Declamation — "Washington's Inaugural Address." (Twenty 
Minutes.) 

6. Essay "Washington's First Cabinet." (Twenty Minutes.) 

7. Anecdotes of Washington — (Thirty Minutes, all participat- 
ing.) 

8. Vocal Music — "The Star Spangled Banner." 



PROGRAMME FOR A WASHINGTON EVENING. 

1. Vocal Music — "Columbia." 

2. Essay — "Washington as President." (Twenty Minutes.) 

3. Solo — "The Sword of Bunker Hill." 

4. Essay— "Washington's first Cabinet." (Twenty Minutes.) 

5. Instrumental Music — "Washington Post March." 

6. Paper or Recitation — "Valley Forge." 

7. Essay— "Washington's Second Administration. "(Twenty Min- 
utes.) 

8. Declamation -"Washington's Farewell Address" (Portions of 
it^-Twenty Minutes.) 

.). Tributes to Washington— "All participating. (Twenty Min- 
utes.) 

10. Vocal Music— "Rally Round the Flag." 



ii4 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. 

What is said of Washington's fame, greatness, devotion, etc.? 
Of his type of character f Of his winning success? Of his early 
Prominence? Of his descent and ancestors/ Of his brothers.' 
Of Washington's birthplace, etc.? Of his parents? Of the hatchet 
story? Of Mary Washington ? Of the education of Washington? Of 
his practical knowledge? Of his athletic development? 

Of his desire for the sea? Of his land surveying? Of his 
experiences as given in his journal? Of the demand for his services 
as surveyor ? Of his acquisitions of land ? II 'hat are the rules of con- 
duct he copied and studied? What does Lodge say ? What is said of 
Laurence Washington? Of George Washington's appointment as 
Major? Of the voyage to Barbadoes? By Dr. Toner? Of the im- 
provement manifested by his later journal ? c f his new post of honor? 
By the historian, Shea? 

What measures did I -'ranee adopt to stay the progress of the 
English? What was the action of the Indians? II hat is said of 
Washington' s qualifications, etc.? Of his instructions ? Of his jour- 
ney ings ? Of his reception by the Indians? By the French? 

What is written in his diary? Of the effect of his journal upon 
the public? Of the action of Dinwiddle? Of the campaign to the 
Ohio? Of the surrender of Washington? Of the rousing to action by 
the British governmejit? Of Braddock's defeat? Of Washington's 
account of his peril ? Of the story told by Curtis? What was Wash- 
ington's report of the battle? Of his return to Mount Vernon? Of 
the expedition to Fort Duquesne? Of Washington's love affairs? 
Of his meeting Mrs. Martha Custis? Of his marriage ', etc.? Of 
Washington s wealth? Ot his personal appearance ? 

What is said of the army? Of Congress? Of place hunters? 
Of Washington's judgment? Of the Conway Cabal? if the army, 
its members and commanders ? Of the want of powder? Of the expe- 
dition to Montreal and Quebec? 

Of the cruisers? Of Mrs. Washington? Of the Union Flag? 
Of Cot. Henry Knox ? Of the attack on Boston ? Of its success? Of 
General Howe? Of the credit due Washington ? Of Washington' s 
discipline? Of the secret of Washington' s success, etc.? Of the move- 
ment against New York ? Of the words in the ''Orderly Book?" 

Of the battle of Long /stand? Of Washington's retreat? Of the 
various skirmishes of Fort Washington ? 

I That description is given of Washington as to height and 
weight? .Is to eyes, face, skin and countenance? As to manners 
gestures, etc.? 

What description does Washington give of MountVernon? What 
is said of Washington as a worker, farmer, etc.? As a legislator? As 
a member of the Con linen tat Congress? Of English and American 
history? Of Washington's attitude toward England, etc.? Of his 
ante-revolutionary events ? 

Of Washington's fidelity and confidence* Of fuly 4, iy~6? Of 



t.ioRGE WASHINGTON tij 

the characteristics of tli (' principal pat riots? Of Washington' s rela- 
tion to them and others? Of the reply of Washington -when appointed 
Commando- in Chic/'.' What did John Bell say? Of the important mili 

tary engagements/ Of Washington's successes? Of the difficulties he 
had to meet in men and means / Of a depreciated currency? Of the 
equipment of the army? Of the help of the Dutch, etc. ? Of the want 
of unity? 

Of the retreat of the Continental . irmy / Of the retreat to Bruns- 
wick, etc./ What docs Washington write to his brotlier John? What 
is said of the coming of his Genera Is / ( )f crossing the Delaware ? ( )f 
the movements of ' Cornwall is / Of the battle of P?'inceton? Of the 
winter months of lyyy / What did the circular letter of 11 'ashington 
say ? 1 1 'hat is said of the battle of Brandyn nne ? ( \f the battle at Ger- 
m an town ? Of the surrender of Bmgoyne ? Of succeeding encounters ? 
Of Valley Forge/ I Chat were Baron Steuben 's impressions? What 
is said of the "Conway Cabal?" Of North' s Conciliatory Bills/ Of 
Joseph- Reed / Of Treaties of Commerce and Alliance/ Of George 
III/ What did Chatham sav/ What is said of Washington and 
Lee? Of Count d'Estaing? Of colonial affairs ? Of the personal ap 
pea ranee of 1 1 'ashington / 

What is said of British raids/ Of wintering at Morristown / 
Of succor by Lafayette? Of Washington's Fabian policy/ Of Bene- 
dict Arnold? Of the condition of the troops? Of // ashington 's birth- 
day/ Of the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, etc./ Of 
1 1 'ashington' s feelings / Of brightening prospects / 

Of the expedition against Lord Cornwallis/ Of the surrender of 
Cornwall is ? Of the period of inaction / Of negotiations for peace/ 
Of 1 1 'ashington and slavery / 

What is said of Washington s religious life? Of his regard for 
education / Of the years following the Revolution? Of the Federal 
Convention? Of the new Natio7ial Constitution, etc.? Of Washing- 
ton ' s relation to it/ Of his election as Bresident / Of his inauguration / 

Of }\ 'ashington s first administration / Of J I ashington' s feelings 
upon assuming office/ What did he write? / Chat is said of his in- 
augural address, etc./ I Choi and how did Washington die/ 

SUBJECTS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. 

/. The Boyhood of J] 'ashington . 

2. The Ohio Company. 

j. II 'ashington as an F/K'oy to the Commander of the French. 

4. The Story of Fort Necessity. 

5. Braddock 's Campaign and Defeat. 

6. Martha Washington. 

7. The Story of Fort Duquesne. 

8. The First Continental Congress. 
q. The Second Continental Congress. 

' ro. The appointment of Washington as Commander-in-Chief. 



lift (,I.mk(,!. U VSJMM'i IUX. 

CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 

1732 Born, Bridge's Creek, Stafford County, Virginia, Feb. 22. 

1748 Appointed surveyor by Lord Fairfax. 

1751 Appointed Major in colonial forces. 

1753 Sent by Governor Dinwiddie as envoy to Commander of French 
forces on the Ohio, October 30. 

1751 Appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Virginia troops, March. 
Capitulation of Fort Necessity, July 4. 

1755 Defeat of Genera] Braddock July 9. Appointed Commander- 
in-chief of the Virginia forces. 

1757 Defended the Virginia frontier 

1758 Occupation of Fort Duquesne, changed to Fort Pitt, Nov. 25. 

1759 Married to Mrs. Martha Custis. January 6. Took his scat as 

member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. 
1770 Located lands on the Ohio for the Virginia troops. 

1774 Member of the first Virginia Convention, August 1. Took his 

seat as member of the Continental Congress, Philadelphia, 
September 5. 

1775 Member of the second Virginia Convention, March. Member 

of the second Continental Congress, Philadelphia May 10. 
"Appointed Commander-in-chief of the American army, June 
[3. Took formal command of the army at Cambridge, Jul) 3. 
r776 Filtered Boston at the head of his army, March 17. Declaration 
of Independendence, July 4. Battle of Brooklyn, Long Island, 
August 26. Battle of Harlem Plains, New York, September 
16. Battle of White Plains, New York, October 28. Battleof 
Trenton, New Jersey, December 26. 

1777 Battle of Princeton, New Jersey, January 3. Battle of Brandy- 

wine, Pa., September 1 1. Battle of Gcrmantown, Pa., Octo- 
ber 4. Valley Forge. 

1778 Battle of Monmouth, New jersey, June 28. 
1770 Battle of Stony Point, New York, July 16. 

1780 Execution of. Major Andre as a spy, October 2. 

1781 Battle of Yorktown, Virginia, and surrender of Cornwallis. 

1782 Refused to be considered as a- King, May. 

1783 Persuaded the officers of the army to be patient with Congress, 

March 15.. Cessation of hostilities, April 19. The army dis- 
banded by order of Congress. November 2. Took leave of 
his officers, December 4. Resigned his commission to Con- 
gress, December 23. 

1784 Crossed the Alleghenies and visited the lands beyond, on horse- 

back. 

1786 Shay's Rebellion, December. 

1787 Elected President of the Constitutional Convention, Philadel- 

phia, May 25. 
[789 Fleeted President of the United States, January. Inaugurated 
President in New York, April 30. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. n/ 

!?9i Removal of the General Government from New York. 

1793 Re-elected for a second term as President, taking oath of office 

March 4. 
1799 Performed last public act Dec. 12. Died on the evening of 
Dec. 14. Buried at Mt. Vernon Dec. 18. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY. 



The older biographies of Washington, by Sparks, Irving, and oth- 
ers, are no longer satisfactory. The reader is advised to consult the 

following works: 

"George Washington." By H. C. Lodge. 2 vols. Houghton, Mifflin 
& Co., Boston, 1889. 

"George Washington." By Woodward Wilson. Harper & Brothers, 
New York, 1897. 

''The Life of George Washington Studied Anew." By E. E. Hale. 
G. P. Putnam's Son's, New York, 1888. 

"History of the Washington Family." By Albert Welles. New York 
Society Library, 1879. 

"Recollections of Washington." By G. W. Custis. Derby and Jack- 
son, New York, i860. 

"Early Sketches of George Washington." Reprinted with notes by 
W. S. Baker. J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, 1894. 

"Itinerary of General Washington," 1775-1783. By W. S. Baker. J. 
B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, 1892. 

"Washington after the Revolution," 1784-1799. By W. S. Baker. J. 
B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, 1898. 

"Washington's Journal," 1747-8. Edited by J. M. Toner, M. D., Al- 
bany, N. Y. Joel Munsell's Sons, 1892. 

"Washington's Journal," 1 75 1-2. Edited by J. M. Toner, M. D., Al- 
bany, N. Y. Joel Munsell's Sons, 1892. 

"Washington's Journal," 1754. Edited by J. M. Toner, M. D., Albanv, 
N. Y. Joel Munsell's Sons, 1893. 

"The Writings of George Washington." Edited by W. C. Ford. 14 
vols, G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1889- 1893. 

"Old South Leaflets," Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10. 

"Narrative and Critical History of America." Edited by Justin Win- 
sor. Vols. V., VI. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston, 1888. 

"The Critical Period of American Historv," 1783-1789. By John Fiske. 
Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston, 1888. 

"The Story of the Revolution." By H. C. Lodge. 2 vols. Charles 
Scribner's Sons, New York, 1898. 

"General Washington." By B. J, Johnson, New York, 1894. 

"The True George Washington." By P. L. Ford, Philadelphia, 1896. 



Sl8 <a:ORGE WASHINGTON. 

EXTRACT FROM WASHINGTON'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 

"Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives :" 

"Among the viccissitudes incident to life, no event could have 
filled me with greater anxieties, than that of which the notification 
was transmitted by your order, and received on the 14th day of this 
month. On the one hand, 1 was summoned by my country, whose 
voice I can never hear but with veneration and love, from a retreat 
which I had chosen with the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering 
hopes, with an immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining 
years; a retreat which was rendered every day more necessary and 
more dear to me, by the addition of habit to inclination, and of fre- 
quent interruptions in my health to the gradual waste committed on 
it by time. On the other hand, the magnitude and difficulty of the 
trust, to which the voice of my country called me, being sufficient to 
awaken in the wisest and most experienced of her citizens, a distrust- 
ful scrutiny into his qualifications, could not but overwhelm with des- 
pondency one, who, inheriting inferior endowments from nature, and 
unpracticed in the duties of civil administration, ought to be peculiar- 
ly conscious of his own deficiencies. 

"In this conflict of emotions, all I dare aver is, that it has been my 
faithful study to collect my duty from a just appreciation of every cir- 
cumstance by which it might be affected. All I dare hope is, that, if 
in executing this task, I have been too much swayed by a grateful re- 
membrance of former instances, or by an affectionate sensibility to 
this transcendent proof of the confidence of my fellow-citizens; and 
have thence too little consulted my capacity, as well as disinclination 
for the weighty and untried cares before me; my error will be pal ha- 
ted by the motives which misled me, and its consequences be judged 
by my country with some share of the partiality in which they origi- 
nated. 

"Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to 
the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be pe- 
culiarly improper to omit, in the first official act, my fervent-supplica- 
tions to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe, who pre- 
sides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can sup- 
ply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the 
liberties and happiness of the people of the United States, a govern- 
ment instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may 
enable every instrument employed in its administration.to execute with 
success the functions allotted to his charge. 

"In tendering this homage to the great Author of every public and 
private good, 1 assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not 
less than my own; nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than 
either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the In- 
visible Hand, which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people 
of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. Mg 

the character of an independent Nation, seems to have been distin- 
guished by some token of providential agency. 

"And," in the important revolution just accomplished in the system 
of their united government, the tranquil deliberations and voluntary 
consent of so many distinct communities, from which the event has re- 
suited, can not be compared with the means by which most govern- 
ments have been established, without some return of pious gratitude 
along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the 
past seems to presage. 

"These reflections, rising out of the present crisis, have forced 
themselves upon my mind too strongly to be suppressed. You will 
join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none, under the influ- 
ence of which, the proceedings of anew and free government can more 
auspiciously begin." 

EXTRACTS FROM WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 

"The unity of Government, which constitutes you one people, is 
also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edi- 
fice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at 
home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that 
very Liberty, which you so highly prize." * * * * 

"For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. 
Citizens, by birth and choice, of a common country, that country has 
a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which 
belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just 
pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local dis- 
criminations. With slight shades of difference; you have the same 
religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a 
common cause, fought and triumphed together; the Independence and 
Liberty you possess arc the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts, 
of common dangers, sufferings, and successes. 

"But these considerations, however powerfully they address them- 
selves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those, which ap- 
ply more immediately to your interest. Here every portion of our 
country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding 
and preserving the Union of the whole. 

"The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the South, pro- 
tected by the equal laws of a common government, finds, in the pro- 
ductions of the latter great additional resources of maratime and com- 
mercial enterprise, and precious materials of manufacturing industry. 

"The South, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the agency of 
the North, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turn- 
ing partly into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its 
particular navigation invigorated; and, while it contributes, in differ- 
ent ways, to nourish and increase the general mass of the national 
navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength, 
to which itself is unequally adapted. 



i2o <.l ORGE WASHINGTON. 

"The East, in a like intercourse with the West, already finds, and 
in the progressive improvement "I interior communications. b> land 
and water, will more and more find, a valuable vent for the commodi- 
ties which it brings from abroad, or manufactures at home. 

"The West derives from the East supplies requisite to its growth 
and comfort, and. what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it must 
of necessity owe the secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its 
own productions to the weight, 'influence, and the future maratime 
strength of the Atlantic side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble 
community of interest as one nation. 

"Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential ad- 
vantage, whether derived from its own separate strength, or from an 
apostate and unnatural connexion with any foreign power, must be in- 
trinsically precarious." * * * * 

"Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political pros- 
perity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain 
would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to 
subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of 
the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with 
the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could 
not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. 

"Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for 
reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, 
which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And 
let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be main- 
tained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence 
of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and ex- 
perience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail 
in exclusion of religious principle. 

"It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary 
spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more 
or less force to every species of free government. Who, that is a sin- 
cere friend to it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake 
the foundation of the fabric? 

"Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions 
for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the struct- 
ure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that 
public opinion should be enlightened." * * * * 

"Though in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am, 
unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of any 
defects not to think it probable that I have committed many errors. 
Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or 
mitigate the evils to which they may tend. 1 also carry in me the 
hope that my country shall never cease to view them with indulgence; 
and that, alter forty ti\ e years of my life dedicated to its service with 
an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned 
to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest." 



